Why Solid Ground
Why Odenton Pilots Choose Solid Ground Aviation
10 Minutes — Practically Next Door
From Odenton, take MD-175 West just a few miles to General Aviation Drive. Tipton Airport is your neighbor — the shortest drive to pro sim training in the state.
Best Value Between Baltimore and D.C.
At $55/hr simulator and $60/hr instruction, we offer airline-quality training at general aviation prices. No other FAA-certified sim facility in the region comes close.
Train Rain or Shine
Our simulators run every day regardless of weather. Living minutes away means you can maximize your training frequency without long commutes or weather-cancelled sessions.
Military-Grade Instructors
Living near Fort Meade, you appreciate real credentials. Our team includes former Navy aviators, FedEx captains, and career CFIIs with actual professional flight experience.
FAA Credit That Counts
Log up to 10 hours toward your Instrument Rating and 2.5 toward your PPL on our FAA-approved SG-1 BATD — valid for certificate applications nationwide.
Custom-Built Simulators
The SG-1 and SG-2 were designed and manufactured in-house by Solid Ground Aviation. Configurable to the exact aircraft you fly for maximum real-world transfer.
Training Programs
Training Programs for Odenton Pilots
The closest FAA-approved simulator training facility to Odenton — every program from first session to instrument rating, IPC, 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.
Questions about which program is right for you?
📞 Call (410) 705-2250Technical Briefing
Questions From Odenton-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 Odenton? +
Is the facility accessible for active-duty military from Fort Meade? +
Does being so close mean same-day scheduling is possible? +
How much does it cost? +
What certificates and ratings can I work toward here? +
Do you have programs for military pilots transitioning to civilian aviation? +
Are sessions available outside normal business hours? +
Operational Radius
Serving Odenton and the Fort Meade Community
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?
Odenton Pilots: Your Sim Is Practically Next Door
10 minutes on MD-175. Open 7 AM to 10 PM, 7 days. No weather holds, no long commutes — just the closest FAA-approved sim training in Maryland.
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 Verifiable Professional 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?
Odenton Pilots: Your Sim Is Practically Next Door
10 minutes on MD-175. Open 7 AM to 10 PM, 7 days. No weather holds, no long commutes — just the closest FAA-approved sim training in Maryland.
Direct Line
(410) 705-2250Operational Hours
Monday–Sunday, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PMBase Airport
Tipton Airport (KFME)