Why Solid Ground
Why Bowie Pilots Train at Solid Ground Aviation
20 Minutes from Bowie
From Bowie, take MD-197 North to MD-32 West, then MD-175 West to General Aviation Drive. About 20 minutes — shorter than most drives to a decent restaurant in Prince George's County.
40–60% Lower Than Aircraft Costs
Prince George's County aircraft rental averages $180–$250/hr. Our simulator starts at $55/hr. Same FAA credit, same skills, dramatically lower cost.
Weather-Proof Your Training
Maryland storm systems and low IMC ceilings cancel aircraft sessions without warning. Our simulator runs every day of the year — your training schedule is yours, not the weather's.
Airline & Military Instructors
Every session is led by career-level pilots — former Navy aviators, airline captains, and professional CFIIs with tens of thousands of flight hours between them.
Log Hours Toward Your Certificate
Our FAA-approved SG-1 BATD logs up to 10 instrument rating hours and 2.5 PPL hours — valid for any FAA certificate application.
Realistic GA Airport Environment
We operate at a real general aviation airport with active aircraft, ATC, and the culture of a working field — not a strip-mall simulator center.
Training Programs
Training Programs for Bowie, MD Pilots
20 minutes from Bowie — FAA-approved simulator training for every stage of your aviation journey.
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 Bowie-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 Bowie? +
Is there a flight simulator training center closer to Bowie? +
How much does training cost? +
Can I log FAA simulator hours from here? +
Are evening and weekend slots available? +
Do you offer Youth sessions? +
Can I use the simulator to build toward my instrument rating without leaving the ground? +
Operational Radius
Serving Pilots Across Bowie and Prince George's County
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?
Bowie Pilots: 20 Minutes to Your Next Session
Open 7 AM to 10 PM, 7 days a week. No weather cancellations. No aircraft availability issues. FAA-approved training in Prince George's County's backyard.
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 Done It 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?
Bowie Pilots: 20 Minutes to Your Next Session
Open 7 AM to 10 PM, 7 days a week. No weather cancellations. No aircraft availability issues. FAA-approved training in Prince George's County's backyard.
Direct Line
(410) 705-2250Operational Hours
Monday–Sunday, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PMBase Airport
Tipton Airport (KFME)