Why Solid Ground
Why Laurel Pilots Choose Solid Ground Aviation
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.
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.
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.
Airline & Military Instructors
Every session is led by career pilots — airline captains and military aviators who bring real-world cockpit judgment to every lesson.
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.
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.
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 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 ControlHow do I get to Solid Ground Aviation from Laurel? +
Is there a flight simulator in Laurel itself? +
What's the closest public-use airport to Laurel? +
How much does simulator training cost? +
Can I train in the evenings after work in Laurel? +
Do you offer FAA WINGS credit? +
Can I use the simulator to stay instrument current? +
Operational Radius
Serving Pilots in Laurel and Across the I-95 Corridor
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?
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) 705-2250Operational 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 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."
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?
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) 705-2250Operational Hours
Monday–Sunday, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PMBase Airport
Tipton Airport (KFME)