Why Solid Ground
Why Baltimore Pilots Train at Solid Ground Aviation
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 ControlHow do I get to Solid Ground Aviation from Baltimore? +
Is this closer than other flight schools in the Baltimore area? +
Do I need a pilot certificate to train here? +
How much does simulator training cost compared to aircraft rental in Baltimore? +
Are sessions available on weekends and evenings? +
How many simulator hours count toward my FAA certificate? +
Can Baltimore-based CFIs bring their students to your simulator? +
Operational Radius
Convenient for Pilots Across the Baltimore Region
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?
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) 705-2250Operational 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
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."
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?
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) 705-2250Operational Hours
Monday–Sunday, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PMBase Airport
Tipton Airport (KFME)