Flight Training Programs
From Your First Lesson
to Commercial Pilot
Three Part 61 programs, each with the simulator built in. You fly our Cessna 172s with an instructor, rehearse in the simulator between flights and train at a pace that fits your schedule.
Start Here
Private Pilot License
Your first pilot certificate. Go from your first takeoff through solo and cross-country flights to the checkride, then take friends and family flying.
Fly in the Clouds
Instrument Rating
Learn to fly by instruments in clouds and low visibility. You fly each approach in the simulator until it feels calm, then fly it for real.
Go Professional
Commercial Pilot License
The certificate that lets you fly for compensation, within commercial privileges. Sharpen your flying to commercial standards and take the next step toward a flying career.
We Don't Cancel Lessons
Your flight school has a
weather problem. Solid Ground doesn't.
When the weather or an airplane says no, your lesson moves to the simulator or ground instruction. You keep your lesson time, your instructor works on what your syllabus needs next, and your training keeps moving while other students wait for a better forecast.
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.
Simulator Built In
Spend Airplane Money on
What Only an Airplane Teaches
The simulator is part of every program here. Checklists, radio calls, procedures and approaches get practiced in our FAA-approved simulator, where an hour costs less than airplane time, so each flight lesson goes to the flying itself.
- Instrument rating savings: $3,000 to $8,000
- Rehearse each lesson in the simulator before you fly it
- Some simulator time can count toward FAA requirements, depending on the rating and the device
- Weather days turn into simulator or ground lessons
| 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
Our Fleet
Train in Our Fleet
of Cessna 172s
Our Cessna 172s fly with G5 instruments and Garmin GPS, and they're based at Tipton Airport (KFME), just outside the DC SFRA. Between flights, the same skills get polished in our simulator down the hall, so you show up to each lesson ready.
Why Train With Us
A Flight School That
Keeps You Moving
Flight training for pilots at every experience level, from your first lesson to your next rating. Here's what you get when you train with us.
Lessons That Stay on the Calendar
We don't cancel lessons. Weather and maintenance days move to the simulator or ground instruction.
Simulator in Every Program
Practice procedures where an hour costs less, then fly them in the airplane.
Taught by Working Pilots
Our founder and chief instructor is an airline pilot and ATP, and he holds CFI, CFII and MEI ratings.
Part 61 Flexibility
Your pace fits your schedule. We plan lessons around work, school and family.
Emergencies, Practiced Safely
Engine failures and instrument emergencies get rehearsed in the simulator, where a mistake costs a reset.
FAA & Insurance Benefits
All courses provide FAA WINGS credit and AVEMCO safety reward insurance discounts, adding value to every lesson.
Student Reviews
What Pilots Say
About Training Here
Real reviews from Google, written by students and licensed pilots who train with us.
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
Already a Pilot?
Stay Current and
Ready for What's Next
Licensed pilots train here too. Log instrument currency, complete an IPC, shake off the rust or prepare for a FlexJet or NetJets interview in our FAA-approved simulator. Solid Ground Aviation is not affiliated with FlexJet or NetJets.
Instrument Currency
Log the approaches, holds and tracking you need for instrument currency in our FAA-approved simulator, with or without an instructor as your situation requires.
IPC Accelerator
Out of currency for a while? Work through your Instrument Proficiency Check with one of our instructors and get back in the system.
Jet Transition & Interview Prep
Preparing for a FlexJet or NetJets interview or sim evaluation? We train the profile, the flows and the CRM.
Rusty Pilot Refresh
Been away from flying? Rebuild your skills and confidence in the simulator before you take an airplane back up.
Instrument Proficiency
& Currency Calculator
Answer a few questions to check your FAA instrument currency status
and receive a personalized proficiency recommendation.
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.
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.
Gift Experiences
Give the Gift of Flight
New: Aircraft Training Discovery Flight in Our Cessna 172
Give the real thing. A discovery flight in one of our Cessna 172s with a certified flight instructor, the perfect first step for anyone who has ever wanted to fly.
First Steps Course
The ultimate gift for aspiring aviators. Includes a career mentoring brief designed specifically to launch youth into their aviation journey.
30-Min Sim Exposure
A high-impact, brief version of our simulation experience. The perfect 'taste of flight' for those looking for an affordable entry point.
1-Hour Simulation Session
Experience the thrill of flight in a safe, controlled environment with professional instruction. Perfect for beginners or pilots seeking FAA WINGS credit.
2-Hour Simulation Session
Dive deeper into flight training. Licensed pilots can sharpen their skills while newcomers enjoy an extended, safe introduction to the cockpit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Solid Ground Aviation?
What does "we don't cancel lessons" mean?
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 20 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?
Got more any more questions? Contact Us
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.
From the Blog
Flight Training Tips
and School News
Todd O.
Oct 7, 2026
Accelerated or Part-Time Instrument Training? Find Your Pace in 2026
Not sure whether instrument rating accelerated training or a part-time pace suits you? Match your schedule, learning style and life load to a pace in 2026.
Todd O.
Oct 7, 2026
Accelerated IFR Training Requirements: 2026 Checklist
Check the five things you need before accelerated IFR training in 2026: certificate, cross-country time, medical, knowledge test, and readiness.
Todd O.
Oct 9, 2026
Our Cessna 172 Fleet Is Here: Aircraft Training in 2026
Solid Ground Aviation now has a fleet of Cessna 172s and aircraft Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot programs. See the rates and how to start.
Book Your
Discovery Session
Start with a discovery session, meet the team and talk through a training plan that fits your goals and your schedule.
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.