Flight Simulator Training in Laurel, MD | Solid Ground Aviation

FAA-approved flight simulator training just 10 minutes from Laurel, MD. Tipton Airport (KFME) — $55/hr simulator, airline instructors, open 7 days. The closest sim training center to Laurel.

Why Solid Ground

Why Laurel Pilots Choose Solid Ground Aviation

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10 Minutes From Laurel

From central Laurel, take MD-198 West or MD-32 South directly to General Aviation Drive. Tipton Airport is a 10-minute drive — the shortest commute to pro-level sim training in the region.

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Best Value in the Corridor

At $55/hr simulator and $60/hr instruction, Solid Ground Aviation is one of the most affordable FAA-approved training options between Baltimore and D.C. — and the closest dedicated sim center to Laurel.

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Train Any Day, Regardless of Weather

No more checking METARs before your session. Our simulators run 365 days a year — snow, fog, thunderstorms, or MVFR conditions won't cancel your session.

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Airline & Military Instructors

Every session is led by career pilots — airline captains and military aviators who bring real-world cockpit judgment to every lesson.

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FAA-Creditable Simulator Hours

Log up to 10 hours toward your Instrument Rating and 2.5 hours toward your PPL on our FAA-approved SG-1 BATD — valid for any FAA certificate application.

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Configured to Match Your Aircraft

Flying out of Freeway Airport or another local field? We set up the SG-1 to replicate your aircraft's specific panel for direct skill transfer.

Training Programs

Training Programs for Laurel, MD Pilots

10 minutes from Laurel — every level of FAA-approved simulator training from first-time flyers to IPC and career transition.

Not sure which program fits your goals?

📞 Call (410) 705-2250

Technical Briefing

Questions From Laurel-Area Pilots

Operational questions? We provide transparent, flight-ready answers. If you need further clarification, our mission control is ready to assist.

📞 Call Mission Control
How do I get to Solid Ground Aviation from Laurel? +
From Laurel, take MD-198 West approximately 5 miles to MD-32 South, then MD-175 West to General Aviation Drive. The drive is about 10 minutes. You can also take MD-32 South directly from I-95 near Laurel.
Is there a flight simulator in Laurel itself? +
There is no dedicated FAA-certified BATD or AATD simulator facility in Laurel. Solid Ground Aviation at Tipton Airport (KFME) is the closest — just 10 minutes away — offering logged FAA-credit sim training.
What's the closest public-use airport to Laurel? +
Freeway Airport (KW00) in Mitchellville is approximately 5 miles from central Laurel. Tipton Airport (KFME), where Solid Ground Aviation operates, is about 8 miles away — and is the only location in the area with a dedicated FAA-certified training device.
How much does simulator training cost? +
Simulator rental is $55/hr and instruction is $60/hr. Most programs are $125/hr combined. The New Pilot Accelerator is a flat $460 package. No hidden fees.
Can I train in the evenings after work in Laurel? +
Yes — we're open 7 AM to 10 PM, 7 days a week. A 10-minute drive from Laurel means you can book an evening session and be back home in under two hours total.
Do you offer FAA WINGS credit? +
All of our training programs qualify for FAA WINGS credit. Every session you complete counts toward your Wings Phase requirements automatically.
Can I use the simulator to stay instrument current? +
Yes. Our SG-1 is FAA-approved under a Letter of Authorization valid through May 2029 for logging instrument currency approaches under FAR 61.57, with or without an instructor.

Operational Radius

Serving Pilots in Laurel and Across the I-95 Corridor

Sector: Fort Meade / DC / Baltimore

Within 50 miles of our Fort Meade simulator, we provide the closest FAA-approved training environment for regional aviators.

Regional Gateway Airports

KW00 Freeway Airport
5 NM
KFME Tipton Airport (SGA Location)
8 NM
KBWI Baltimore/Washington International
12 NM
KCGS College Park Airport
12 NM

Ready to Fly?

Laurel Pilots: Your Sim Is 10 Minutes Away

Open 7 AM to 10 PM, 7 days a week. The closest dedicated FAA-approved sim training to Laurel — no long commute, no weather holds.

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Direct Line

(410) 705-2250
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Operational Hours

Monday–Sunday, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
AIR

Base Airport

Tipton Airport (KFME)
Flight Training Guide Ebook

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 With Real Airline and Military Flight Experience

"Every instructor at Solid Ground has logged real-world hours in military cockpits, airline flight decks, or both."

Military & Airline Backgrounds
FAA Certified Instructors
10,000+ Combined Flight Hours
TO

Todd O'Brien

Founder / Airline Captain
ATPCFICFII

Military and airline career pilot who built SGA to bring professional sim training to general aviation.

TB

Todd Breese

CFI/CFII/MEI/ATP
ATPCFICFIIMEI

Former Navy Aviator and FedEx Captain with thousands of hours across military and commercial cockpits.

MA

Mike Allen

CFI/CFII
CFICFII

7,000+ hours of flight instruction with an active Angel Flights pilot background.

MS

Marty Sacks

CFI/CFII
CFICFII

Civil Air Patrol instructor deeply embedded in the Maryland GA community.

JB

Jeff Barnett

CFI/CFII/MEI/ATP/FE
ATPFECFICFIIMEI

Former USAir Express Pilot with extensive commercial airline and multi-engine instruction experience.

Ready to Fly?

Laurel Pilots: Your Sim Is 10 Minutes Away

Open 7 AM to 10 PM, 7 days a week. The closest dedicated FAA-approved sim training to Laurel — no long commute, no weather holds.

📞

Direct Line

(410) 705-2250
🕐

Operational Hours

Monday–Sunday, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
AIR

Base Airport

Tipton Airport (KFME)