Why Solid Ground
Why Annapolis Pilots Choose Solid Ground Aviation
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
New Pilot Accelerator
Take your first steps in a safe, structured environment before ever entering a real aircraft.
Private Pilot Accelerator
Supplement your PPL training and cut expensive aircraft rental hours significantly.
Instrument Rating Accelerator
Log up to 10 FAA-creditable hours toward your Instrument Rating on our approved BATD.
Rusty Pilot Refresh
Get current again with FAA WINGS credit — no aircraft rental or weather delays.
IPC Accelerator
Renew your Instrument Proficiency Check efficiently in the sim with an experienced CFII.
IMC Emergencies
Practice IFR emergency scenarios in realistic, repeatable, and completely safe conditions.
Jet Transition / Interview Prep
Prepare for your first airline job with simulator-based interview and jet-profile training.
Youth Discovery Session
A 1.5-hour intro for teens and parents exploring aviation careers — mentoring included.
Instrument Currency
Stay legally current on instruments at the most accessible rate in the region.
CFI/CFII Accelerator
Prepare to pass the checkride and become an instructor people can actually learn from.
Not sure which program fits your goals?
📞 Call (410) 705-2250Technical 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 ControlHow do I get to Solid Ground Aviation from Annapolis? +
Is there a flight simulator closer to Annapolis than KFME? +
Does Bay area weather affect your simulator availability? +
How much does simulator training cost? +
Can I use the simulator hours toward my FAA certificate? +
Are evening and weekend sessions available? +
Do you train naval and military pilots? +
Operational Radius
Serving Pilots Across Anne Arundel County and Beyond
Within 50 miles of our Fort Meade simulator, we provide the closest FAA-approved training environment for regional aviators.
Regional Gateway Airports
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) 705-2250Operational Hours
Monday–Sunday, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PMBase Airport
Tipton Airport (KFME)
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."
Todd O'Brien
Founder / Airline CaptainMilitary and airline career pilot who built SGA to bring professional sim training to general aviation.
Todd Breese
CFI/CFII/MEI/ATPFormer Navy Aviator and FedEx Captain with thousands of hours across military and commercial cockpits.
Mike Allen
CFI/CFII7,000+ hours of flight instruction with an active Angel Flights pilot background.
Marty Sacks
CFI/CFIICivil Air Patrol instructor deeply embedded in the Maryland GA community.
Jeff Barnett
CFI/CFII/MEI/ATP/FEFormer 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) 705-2250Operational Hours
Monday–Sunday, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PMBase Airport
Tipton Airport (KFME)