Stop Paying Aircraft Rates for Training You Can Do on the Ground.
The FAA minimum is 40 hrs. Most pilots need 70. Supplementing with advanced simulators slashes your hourly rates and closes the gap for less.
- Instrument rating savings: $3,000–$8,000
- Faster completion timelines
- No weather delays
| Path | Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Traditional Path - No Simulator | $11,900 |
| Supplement with Sim | $8,750 |
Flight Hours Cost Comparison
Simulator rental runs ~$65/hr compared to ~$180/hr for an aircraft.
Savings
Choose Your Training Path
Tailored simulator programs designed for every stage of your aviation journey.
New to Flying
- Start your training the smart way
- Reduce aircraft hours
- Build confidence before first flight
Currently Training
- Accelerate your progress
- Master maneuvers faster
- Reduce checkride delays
Licensed Pilot
- Stay IFR current
- Save vs aircraft rental ($125/hr vs $180/hr)
- Practice safely
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.
Your training calendar has a weather problem. The sim doesn't.
Maryland sits in one of the most weather-disrupted flight training corridors on the East Coast. Humidity, fog, thunderstorms, and winter ice don't care about your schedule. Here's what that actually costs a student pilot in this area.
Days/year with measurable precipitation.
of the calendar year is disrupted by rain, snow, or fog.
average extra time to finish a license training only in aircraft.
For Flight Schools & Operators
Turn Empty Space Into a Training Center.
Pilots in your area need a professional, structured environment to build skills, maintain IFR currency, and stay sharp. Partner with Solid Ground Aviation to transform underutilized office space into a low-overhead, high-impact profit center. Our plug-and-play simulators integrate seamlessly into your facility, creating weather-proof revenue for your operation.
Take Flight With Confidence
Every Hour Here Makes Every Rating Easier
Skills transfer directly to the aircraft, fewer flight hours needed. Whether you're starting your training, advancing your career, or maintaining proficiency, our structured simulator programs maximize your efficiency.
- Private Pilot
- Instrument
- Commercial
- CFI / CFII
- Currency / IPC
21 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Gift Experiences
Give the Gift of Flight
Most Popular Paths
Start With Our Top Programs
Focus your training on our most sought-after simulator courses designed to fast-track your ratings.
$125/hr
Instrument Rating Accelerator
The Instrument Rating Accelerator provides focused simulator-based instruction using realistic cockpit layouts and FAA-approved procedures.
$125/hr
Instrument Proficiency Check Accelerator
The IPC Accelerator prepares you for your Instrument Proficiency Check using realistic, repeatable scenarios in our SG-1 simulator.
$125/hr
Private Pilot Accelerator
The Private Pilot Accelerator provides a focused path to master flight fundamentals without burning fuel or waiting on weather.
$125/hr
Rusty Pilot Refresh
The Rusty Pilot Refresh is designed for licensed pilots who want to rebuild their skills, proficiency, and confidence before returning to active flying.
Your Path to Certification
Benefits for Aspiring and Licensed Pilots
Our programs support every type of pilot. Brand-new students start safely, current students advance quickly, and licensed pilots refresh or upgrade skills efficiently, all with FAA Wings credit and insurance discounts.
Affordable Training
Reduce costs without sacrificing quality. Simulator training lets you log FAA-approved hours while keeping your budget in check.
Practice Without Risk
Safe simulator environment for emergency drills, navigation challenges, and advanced maneuvers, build confidence for real-world flights.
Train On Your Schedule
7 AM – 10 PM availability lets you fit lessons around your busy life, no matter the weather or season.
Flexible Booking
Reserve sessions at times that fit your schedule, making training convenient and stress-free.
One-on-One Coaching
Personalized instruction ensures every student learns at their own pace and reaches FAA standards efficiently.
FAA & Insurance Benefits
All courses provide FAA Wings credit and AVEMCO safety reward insurance discounts, adding value to every lesson.
Ready to take the next step?
Let's Get Started Today!
Whether you're looking to enhance your skills, explore new opportunities, or simply have questions, we're here to help. Reach out to us and let's embark on this journey together.
Why Our Students Excel
Simulator Training That Works
Enroll Now
Fill out the form below and let's start learning!
We will get in
touch with you and walk you through the next steps on getting started.
Simulator Training That Works
Our FAA-approved simulators let you practice safely, efficiently, and affordably. From beginner pilots to advanced license holders, our training ensures measurable progress without leaving the ground.
Why Our Students Excel
How We Make You a Better Pilot
Training with Solid Ground Aviation means getting more from every hour spent learning.
Fast, Cost-Effective Progress
Our simulators save money and time compared to traditional flight lessons, while still logging FAA-approved hours toward your certificate.
Safe & Realistic Practice
Perform complex maneuvers and emergency procedures in a zero-risk environment, building confidence for real flight.
Weather-Proof Learning
Train on your schedule, rain or shine, without cancellations or delays, keeping your progression steady.
Instrument Proficiency
& Currency Calculator
Answer a few questions to check your FAA instrument currency status
and receive a personalized proficiency recommendation.
Reviews
Andrew Dresbach
2 months ago
Best in-person Ground School on the East Coast. If you care about Safety and want to crush the Written Exam, would reccomed these guys. Was able to learn from not one instructor but by four instructors with different Backgrounds in Aviation, This type of teaching makes the knowledge gained by learning from them priceless.
Chris Shields
7 months ago
I highly recommend Todd O’Brien and Solid Ground Aviation for flight instruction. He is the reason I now have my instrument rating after a fairly condensed timeline. Todd is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and experienced. He tailored our Instrument Rating Accelerator lessons to focus on the areas where I needed the most help and explained concepts in multiple ways to make sure I understood everything. His practical use case examples and quick tips/tricks based on experience were outstanding.
aaron shanklin
7 months ago
My son had a simulator session with Todd this past Saturday, he really enjoyed the training session. My son learned new valuable information on planes and flying, I will definitely continue taking my son at Solid Ground Aviation.
Mark De Binder
Edited a year ago
I just started getting involved with flight training and Todd was able to setup the instrument panel to the same plane I have been flying. That saved a lot of time and we were able to get right to training. I never would have guessed all the things I needed to know to solve my problem and by the end of the session was consistently and successfully landing the plane on speed and on centerline.
Shauna Bruno
2 years ago
Had the most exhilarating experience at the end of the year. I was able to get in contact with Todd O’Brien and he set me up with a Discovery Flight. So professional... Marty is patient, kind and extremely knowledgeable. This was a surprise gift that my cousin will never forget. AMAZING is an understatement. For an 1 hour we were able to soar over Baltimore and Annapolis and see some incredible sites.
Jose Rodriguez
2 years ago
I had been looking for a simulator to supplement my flight training. I have already been at SGA three times in the passed week. It has been a game changer for me, it has clarified so many things for me. Todd configures the simulator to the aircraft you fly so it helps because everything is familiar to you. Todd is also right there every step of the way helping with everything your doing. It's impressive that he is a CFI and really knows how to explain what's going on.
Justa Bill
a year ago
SGA's pilot accelerator program is a fantastic introduction to flying! It really helped me prepare for my first flight in a real plane. The transition was almost seamless! I highly recommend the experience if you are thinking of taking flying lessons! Well worth it!
Jeffrey Panko
6 months ago
Went for a mock PPL checkride. My CFI was knowledgeable and the location was clean and comfortable. I would definitely recommend anyone interested in their offerings.
Tim Sudduth
2 years ago
Hands down, the best training I have received for IFR. The training scenarios were practical, direct and efficient. I flew more approaches and scenarios in an hour and a half than I could have in 4 plus hours at a fraction of the cost. I am a private pilot getting ready for my IFR Checkride, and I could not be happier with the training.
David Tolson
2 years ago
This is the best IFR sim training I have received in 30 years of flying. The instructor can replay any segment of the flight/approach to provide meaningful feedback and correction. The result is immediate improvement and time saved. Highly recommend...
Tabe Ghislain
2 months ago
Best flight school out there
Cesar Arturo Rengifo Garcia
Edited a year ago
It's the cheapest way to learn to fly, get a rating, or train for a higher-level license, such as a commercial or ATP. Todd has a wealth of experience, is very professional, but above all, he has a strong will and patience to turn weaknesses into strengths.
Jason Levine
2 years ago
Accelerated Training Programs
Fly In. Train Fast. Fly Home Ready.
Our accelerator programs are built for pilots who want results without long-term local scheduling. Train over consecutive days in FAA-approved simulators and complete your goals efficiently — whether you're staying current or advancing your career.
Accelerated & Cost-Effective
Complete training in days instead of weeks. Simulator-based instruction reduces total cost while maintaining professional, FAA-approved standards.
Instructor & Proficiency Accelerators
Ideal for CFI and CFII candidates seeking focused, scenario-based instruction over consecutive days with dedicated instructor support.
Fast IPC Completion
Stay instrument current with an IPC Accelerator designed for traveling pilots. Fly in, train over two days, and return home current and confident.
Designed for Traveling Pilots
Consecutive-day scheduling, predictable timelines, and simulator reliability make our programs ideal for pilots traveling in for training.
Gift Experiences
Give the Gift of Flight
Surprise someone with an unforgettable aviation gift — from simulator intro sessions to beginner flight experiences. Redeemable any day within 1 year.
Join Maryland’s Premier Simulator Flight School
Experience the Future of Pilot Training
Solid Ground Aviation combines FAA-certified simulators, expert instructors, and a cost-effective model to make flight training more accessible than ever. Start today and join a growing community of pilots in Maryland and D.C.
Enroll Now →Frequently Asked Questions
What is flight simulator training and how does it work?
Does simulator training count towards my pilot's license?
- The FAA allows 2.5 hours to be counted towards the Private Pilot requirements, and 10 hours towards the Instrument rating requirements.
- The real benefit lies in reducing the amount of time required to train in the aircraft. Most students require more than the FAA minimum hours before they are ready for the checkride. Spending some of those extra hours in the simulator at a far lower cost will help save money and keep your training on track. See how the savings add up.
How much does simulator training cost?
When you compare that to the typical $170-$200+/hr cost of renting an aircraft, the value is clear. You get more learning, in less time, at a fraction of the cost. Compare the costs side-by-side.
How does simulator training save time compared to only flying an aircraft?
Can I log instrument approaches in the simulator?
Who can benefit from simulator training?
Are there prerequisites?
I am training at a different flight school, can I train here too?
Do you offer flight lessons in aircraft?
Our instructors can also provide training in your personally owned aircraft, ensuring seamless continuity between your simulator sessions and in-aircraft experience.
How long is each session?
When can I train?
Blog Posts
Recent Aviation News
Todd O.
Aug 1, 2026
IPC vs. Proficiency Check: Which Do You Need to Get Current?
Confused about whether you need an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) or just a few approaches to get current? Learn the difference and find the right path back to IFR flying.
Todd O.
Jul 13, 2026
How Flight Simulators Build Community, Boost Safety, and Retain Pilots
Discover how an on-site flight simulator can combat rusty pilot syndrome, enhance safety, and foster a vibrant aviation community by overcoming weather delays and high aircraft costs.
Todd O.
Aug 1, 2026
How to Maintain IFR Currency With a Simulator: A Cost-Effective Guide for 2026
Discover how you can use an FAA-approved flight simulator to maintain your IFR currency affordably and efficiently. Save money and stay proficient.
Ready to Begin Your Pilot Journey?
Take the first step toward your Private Pilot Certificate or Instrument Rating with Solid Ground Aviation. Safe, affordable, and FAA-approved training, designed to get you flying sooner.
Limited Spots Remaining!
Upcoming Aviation Events & Ground School
Solid Ground is a host of numerous events, take a look on each that are happening right now. Limited spots!
*Next sessions start soon. Register today to guarantee your seat.