Why Solid Ground
Why Frederick Pilots Make the Drive to Solid Ground Aviation
No Comparable Facility Closer to Frederick
Frederick Municipal Airport (KFDK) offers solid GA aircraft training — but no dedicated FAA-certified BATD or AATD simulator facility. For sim-specific training, Solid Ground Aviation at KFME is the closest credentialed option.
45 Minutes — and Worth Every Minute
The drive down I-270 South to I-370 East to the BW Parkway takes about 45 minutes. One session here logs more FAA-creditable approaches than 3–4 aircraft flights. The math works.
Save Thousands Over Aircraft Training
Frederick-area aircraft rental runs $180–$240/hr. Our simulator is $55/hr with instruction at $60/hr. Over a full instrument rating, Frederick pilots routinely save $4,000–$7,000.
Frederick Valley Weather Won't Cancel Your Session
The Frederick Valley is prone to morning fog, low ceilings, and mountain-driven weather systems that ground aircraft for hours. Our simulators run every day, regardless of conditions.
Airline & Military Instructors
Every session is led by career-level pilots with real professional flight backgrounds — not recently-certificated instructors still building their own hours.
10 Hours of FAA Instrument Credit
Our FAA-approved SG-1 BATD logs up to 10 hours toward your Instrument Rating and 2.5 toward your PPL. For Frederick pilots, one round trip can replace two expensive aircraft sessions.
Training Programs
Training Programs for Frederick, MD Pilots
45 minutes south on I-270 — FAA-approved simulator training for every level of pilot from first session to 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 is worth the drive?
📞 Call (410) 705-2250Technical Briefing
Questions From Frederick-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 Frederick? +
Is there a closer FAA-certified simulator to Frederick? +
Is the 45-minute drive worth it for simulator training? +
Can I combine a sim session with other training to make the trip more efficient? +
What are the best times to drive to avoid I-270 traffic? +
How does sim training at KFME help me fly out of KFDK? +
Does Frederick's mountain and valley weather affect your training? +
Operational Radius
Serving Pilots From Frederick and Western 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?
Frederick Pilots: The Drive Is Worth It
45 minutes on I-270. 90 minutes in the sim. More FAA-creditable approaches than a full aircraft day — at a fraction of the cost. Open 7 AM to 10 PM, 7 days a week.
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
Instructors Worth Driving 45 Minutes to Learn From
"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?
Frederick Pilots: The Drive Is Worth It
45 minutes on I-270. 90 minutes in the sim. More FAA-creditable approaches than a full aircraft day — at a fraction of the cost. Open 7 AM to 10 PM, 7 days a week.
Direct Line
(410) 705-2250Operational Hours
Monday–Sunday, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PMBase Airport
Tipton Airport (KFME)