Flight Simulator Training Near Baltimore, MD | Solid Ground Aviation

FAA-approved flight simulator training just 25 minutes from Baltimore. Train at Tipton Airport (KFME) for $55/hr — no weather cancellations, airline instructors, open 7 days a week.

Why Solid Ground

Why Baltimore Pilots Train at Solid Ground Aviation

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25 Minutes from Baltimore

From the Inner Harbor, take I-97 South to MD-100 West — you're at Tipton Airport in under 30 minutes. Less time commuting, more time flying.

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Half the Cost of Aircraft Rental

Baltimore-area aircraft rentals run $180–$250/hr. Our FAA-approved simulator starts at $55/hr. Same FAA credit, fraction of the cost.

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Chesapeake Bay Weather Won't Stop You

The Bay brings fog, low ceilings, and coastal weather that grounds local aircraft. Our simulators run 365 days a year regardless of conditions.

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Airline & Military Instructors

Every session is led by pilots with real-world time in military cockpits or airline flight decks — not freshly-certified student teachers.

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FAA Credit That Counts

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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Simulators Built In-House

The SG-1 and SG-2 were engineered and manufactured by Solid Ground Aviation — configurable to replicate the exact aircraft you fly.

Training Programs

Training Programs Available to Baltimore Pilots

Drive 25 minutes from Baltimore and access every level of FAA-approved simulator training — from your first session to airline interview prep.

Not sure which program fits your goals?

📞 Call (410) 705-2250

Technical Briefing

Questions From Baltimore-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 Baltimore? +
From downtown Baltimore, take I-97 South to Exit 7 (MD-100 West), then follow MD-175 West to General Aviation Drive. Total drive time is approximately 25 minutes. Free parking is available at the facility.
Is this closer than other flight schools in the Baltimore area? +
For simulator-specific training, yes. Most Baltimore-area flight schools don't operate FAA-certified Advanced Aviation Training Devices. Our facility at Tipton Airport (KFME) is the closest dedicated sim training center to Baltimore offering BATD-level FAA credit.
Do I need a pilot certificate to train here? +
No certificate required. We welcome everyone from complete beginners to ATP-level pilots. Our New Pilot Accelerator is specifically designed for zero-experience students.
How much does simulator training cost compared to aircraft rental in Baltimore? +
Aircraft rental in the Baltimore area typically runs $180–$250/hr. Our simulator starts at $55/hr and instruction is $60/hr. For most programs you'll pay $125/hr combined — less than the cost of fuel alone in many local aircraft.
Are sessions available on weekends and evenings? +
Yes — we're open 7 days a week, 7 AM to 10 PM. Perfect for Baltimore professionals who can't train during standard business hours.
How many simulator hours count toward my FAA certificate? +
Our FAA-approved SG-1 BATD allows up to 10 hours toward an Instrument Rating and 2.5 hours toward a Private Pilot certificate. Our SG-2 AATD (certification pending) will expand instrument credit to 20 hours.
Can Baltimore-based CFIs bring their students to your simulator? +
Absolutely. Many local CFIs use our facility to supplement their aircraft-based training. Your instructor can accompany you, or you can train with one of our team — your choice.

Operational Radius

Convenient for Pilots Across the Baltimore Region

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

KBWI Baltimore/Washington International
8 NM
KMTN Martin State Airport
20 NM
KW00 Freeway Airport
10 NM
KCGS College Park Airport
16 NM

Ready to Fly?

Baltimore Pilots: Your Sim Is 25 Minutes Away

Open 7 AM to 10 PM, 7 days a week. No weather holds. No aircraft availability issues. Just professional FAA-approved simulator 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

Learn From Pilots Who've Flown at the Highest Level

"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?

Baltimore Pilots: Your Sim Is 25 Minutes Away

Open 7 AM to 10 PM, 7 days a week. No weather holds. No aircraft availability issues. Just professional FAA-approved simulator 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)