Why Solid Ground
Why Columbia Pilots Train at Solid Ground Aviation
15 Minutes From Columbia
From Columbia's town center, take MD-175 East directly to General Aviation Drive at Tipton Airport. No highway required — just a straight 15-minute drive.
Save Over $3,000 on Your License
Howard County aircraft rental runs $180–$250/hr. Our FAA-approved simulator is $55/hr with $60/hr instruction — the same FAA credit at a fraction of the price.
Train Any Day, Any Weather
Maryland winters and summer storms cancel aircraft sessions constantly. Our simulators run 365 days a year, keeping your training on schedule regardless of conditions.
Military-Caliber Instruction
SGA instructors include former Navy aviators, airline captains, and career CFIIs — pilots who bring real cockpit judgment to every session.
FAA-Creditable Hours
Log up to 10 simulator hours toward your Instrument Rating and 2.5 toward your Private Pilot certificate — all on our FAA Letter of Authorization-approved SG-1 BATD.
Configurable to Your Plane
Flying a C172 out of Potomac Airfield or a Piper out of Carroll County? We configure the SG-1 to match your aircraft's exact panel for maximum transfer of training.
Training Programs
Training Programs for Columbia, MD Pilots
Just 15 minutes from Columbia — FAA-approved simulator training for every stage of your aviation journey, from first session through instrument rating and career 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 Columbia-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 Columbia? +
Is there a flight simulator training center in Columbia itself? +
How much does simulator training cost compared to local aircraft rental? +
Can I train on evenings and weekends? +
What aircraft does the simulator replicate? +
Can I bring my kids for an intro session? +
Do Columbia-based CFIs use your facility? +
Operational Radius
Serving Pilots Across Howard County and Central Maryland
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?
Columbia Pilots: 15 Minutes to Pro-Level Sim Training
Open 7 AM to 10 PM, 7 days a week. Maryland weather won't cancel your session. The closest FAA-approved sim training to Howard County.
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 With Airline and Military 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?
Columbia Pilots: 15 Minutes to Pro-Level Sim Training
Open 7 AM to 10 PM, 7 days a week. Maryland weather won't cancel your session. The closest FAA-approved sim training to Howard County.
Direct Line
(410) 705-2250Operational Hours
Monday–Sunday, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PMBase Airport
Tipton Airport (KFME)