Flight Simulator Training Near Annapolis, MD | Solid Ground Aviation

FAA-approved flight simulator training 20 minutes from Annapolis. Train at Tipton Airport (KFME) for $55/hr — instrument ratings, rusty pilot refreshes, and more. Open 7 days, no weather cancellations.

Why Solid Ground

Why Annapolis Pilots Choose Solid Ground Aviation

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20 Minutes from Annapolis

From downtown Annapolis, take US-50 West to MD-32 North — you're at Tipton Airport in 20 minutes. Closer than many local flight schools.

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Bay Weather Can't Stop Your Training

Chesapeake Bay fog and coastal weather systems ground Annapolis-area aircraft regularly. Our simulators operate rain, fog, or IFR conditions — every day, all year.

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FAA Credit Toward Your Certificate

Log up to 10 hours toward your Instrument Rating and 2.5 hours toward your Private Pilot certificate on our FAA-approved SG-1 BATD.

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Airline & Military Instructors

Every session is led by pilots with real-world time in military cockpits or commercial flight decks — career aviators, not just recently-certificated instructors.

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Dramatically Lower Cost

At $55/hr simulator and $60/hr instruction, you get airline-quality training at a fraction of what aircraft-based instruction costs in Anne Arundel County.

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Configured to Your Aircraft

The SG-1 can be set up to replicate the exact panel of the Cessna 172 or Piper PA-28 you fly — so every sim hour translates directly to your real aircraft.

Training Programs

Training Programs for Annapolis-Area Pilots

20 minutes from Annapolis, every level of FAA-approved simulator training — from your very first session to IPC and airline interview prep.

Not sure which program fits your goals?

📞 Call (410) 705-2250

Technical Briefing

Questions From Annapolis-Area Pilots

Operational questions? We provide transparent, flight-ready answers. If you need further clarification, our mission control is ready to assist.

📞 Call Mission Control
How do I get to Solid Ground Aviation from Annapolis? +
From Annapolis, take US-50 West to MD-32 North, then MD-175 West to General Aviation Drive, Fort Meade. The drive is approximately 20 minutes with no toll roads required.
Is there a flight simulator closer to Annapolis than KFME? +
Lee Airport (KANP) in Annapolis offers some flight training, but no dedicated FAA-certified BATD or AATD simulator facility. Solid Ground Aviation at Tipton Airport is the closest facility offering logged, FAA-credit simulator training in the region.
Does Bay area weather affect your simulator availability? +
Not at all. Unlike aircraft training, our simulators run rain or shine, fog or clear skies. Chesapeake weather that cancels aircraft flights has zero effect on your training schedule.
How much does simulator training cost? +
Simulator rental is $55/hr and instruction is $60/hr. Most programs are $125/hr combined. The New Pilot Accelerator is a flat $460 package — no hidden fees.
Can I use the simulator hours toward my FAA certificate? +
Yes. Our FAA-approved SG-1 BATD logs up to 10 hours toward an Instrument Rating and 2.5 hours toward a Private Pilot certificate under FAR Part 61.
Are evening and weekend sessions available? +
Yes — open 7 AM to 10 PM, 7 days a week. Ideal for Annapolis professionals and Naval Academy personnel who need training around a demanding schedule.
Do you train naval and military pilots? +
Absolutely. We have significant experience working with active-duty and transitioning military aviators. Our instructors include former Navy and military pilots who understand your background and training needs.

Operational Radius

Serving Pilots Across Anne Arundel County and Beyond

Sector: Fort Meade / DC / Baltimore

Within 50 miles of our Fort Meade simulator, we provide the closest FAA-approved training environment for regional aviators.

Regional Gateway Airports

KANP Lee Airport
6 NM
KBWI Baltimore/Washington International
8 NM
KFME Tipton Airport (SGA Location)
18 NM
KW00 Freeway Airport
12 NM

Ready to Fly?

Annapolis Pilots: 20 Minutes to Your Next Session

Open 7 AM to 10 PM, 7 days a week. Chesapeake weather won't cancel your session. FAA-approved sim training closer than you think.

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Direct Line

(410) 705-2250
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Operational Hours

Monday–Sunday, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
AIR

Base Airport

Tipton Airport (KFME)
Flight Training Guide Ebook

New to Flight Training?

Download Our Free Guide

Confused by FAA requirements? Want to master the basics before investing? Our free roadmap simplifies the flight training process, answers the most common student pilot questions, and shows you exactly how starting in a simulator can save you over $3,000 on your license.

The Flight Deck

Instructors With Real-World Flight Experience

"Every instructor at Solid Ground has logged real-world hours in military cockpits, airline flight decks, or both."

Military & Airline Backgrounds
FAA Certified Instructors
10,000+ Combined Flight Hours
TO

Todd O'Brien

Founder / Airline Captain
ATPCFICFII

Military and airline career pilot who built SGA to bring professional sim training to general aviation.

TB

Todd Breese

CFI/CFII/MEI/ATP
ATPCFICFIIMEI

Former Navy Aviator and FedEx Captain with thousands of hours across military and commercial cockpits.

MA

Mike Allen

CFI/CFII
CFICFII

7,000+ hours of flight instruction with an active Angel Flights pilot background.

MS

Marty Sacks

CFI/CFII
CFICFII

Civil Air Patrol instructor deeply embedded in the Maryland GA community.

JB

Jeff Barnett

CFI/CFII/MEI/ATP/FE
ATPFECFICFIIMEI

Former USAir Express Pilot with extensive commercial airline and multi-engine instruction experience.

Ready to Fly?

Annapolis Pilots: 20 Minutes to Your Next Session

Open 7 AM to 10 PM, 7 days a week. Chesapeake weather won't cancel your session. FAA-approved sim training closer than you think.

📞

Direct Line

(410) 705-2250
🕐

Operational Hours

Monday–Sunday, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
AIR

Base Airport

Tipton Airport (KFME)