Why Solid Ground
Why Pilots Choose Solid Ground Aviation in Fort Meade
No Weather Days — Ever
Maryland weather can't ground us. Our simulators run 7 AM to 10 PM, 365 days a year. No cancellations, no rescheduling headaches.
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.
Airline & Military Instructors
Every session is led by pilots with real-world time in military cockpits or commercial flight decks — not freshly-certified student teachers.
Built at an Active GA Airport
We operate at Tipton Airport (KFME) — a real GA environment with active traffic, radio calls, and the culture of a working airfield.
40–60% Lower Than Aircraft Training
At $55/hr simulator and $60/hr instruction, you access airline-quality training without airline prices. Save over $3,000 on your license.
Simulators We Designed Ourselves
The SG-1 and SG-2 were engineered in-house by Solid Ground Aviation. Off-the-shelf wasn't good enough — so we built our own.
Training Programs
Training Programs Available at Fort Meade
From your very first session to airline interview prep — we have a program 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 you?
📞 Call (410) 705-2250Technical Briefing
Common Questions About Our Fort Meade Location
Operational questions? We provide transparent, flight-ready answers. If you need further clarification, our mission control is ready to assist.
📞 Call Mission ControlWhere is Solid Ground Aviation located? +
Do I need a pilot certificate to train here? +
How many simulator hours count toward my FAA certificate? +
How much does simulator training cost? +
Are sessions available on weekends and evenings? +
Can I use this simulator if I train at another flight school? +
Is the simulator approved for instrument currency? +
What aircraft does the simulator replicate? +
Operational Radius
Serving Pilots Across Maryland & the D.C. 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?
Ready to Train at Fort Meade?
Sessions available 7 AM to 10 PM, 7 days a week. No weather holds. No waitlists. Just professional simulator training at a fraction of aircraft cost.
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?
Ready to Train at Fort Meade?
Sessions available 7 AM to 10 PM, 7 days a week. No weather holds. No waitlists. Just professional simulator training at a fraction of aircraft cost.
Direct Line
(410) 705-2250Operational Hours
Monday–Sunday, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PMBase Airport
Tipton Airport (KFME)