Solid Ground Aviation to Debut FAA-Approved SG-2 BATD at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

Master the Fisk Arrival: Fort Meade Center Uses SG2 Simulator to Prep Pilots for Oshkosh

Solid Ground Aviation, a premier flight simulator training center in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area, is thrilled to announce the official debut of its next-generation SG-2 flight simulator at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026. The SG-2 has received official designation as an FAA-approved Basic Aviation Training Device (BATD), representing a significant leap forward in training capabilities for new pilots and licensed pilots.

The SG-2 will be showcased from July 20-26, 2026, at the world's greatest aviation celebration in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. This level of realism is why pilots use our simulators to practice complex procedures like the Fisk Arrival before flying to the event.

As the founder of Solid Ground Aviation, I am incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished. The SG-2 is the culmination of thousands of hours of development, driven by a single mission: to provide pilots with the most effective, realistic, and cost-efficient training tools available. Achieving FAA approval as a BATD validates this hard work and allows us to offer a higher level of training that directly benefits our clients' career and proficiency goals.

What FAA ATD Approval Means for Pilots

While the SG-2 currently operates as an FAA-approved Basic Aviation Training Device (BATD), we are actively in the process of securing its Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) status. Once approved as an AATD, the device will allow pilots training under Part 61 to significantly increase their loggable credits:

• Up to 20 hours toward an Instrument Rating (a 100% increase over its current BATD status).
• Up to 25 hours of approved aeronautical experience toward a Commercial Pilot certificate.

This is a game-changer for pilots in the Maryland and D.C. area. It means you can complete a larger portion of your training in a controlled, cost-effective environment, making your time in the actual aircraft more efficient. Our popular Instrument Rating Accelerator program will leverage the SG-2 to help pilots achieve their IFR goals faster than ever.

A New Standard in Realism and Flexibility

The SG-2 isn't just about logging more hours. It's about the quality of that time. With a highly realistic flight model, force-feedback controls, and a wide array of configurable instrument panels, from classic steam gauges to modern glass cockpits like the G1000, the SG-2 provides an immersive experience that builds real-world skills.

This new device reinforces our simulator-first training philosophy: master the procedures on the ground, so you can focus on flying in the air. You can learn more about our technology on our simulators page.

See the SG-2 at Oshkosh

We invite all attendees of EAA AirVenture 2026 to visit our exhibit to experience the SG-2 firsthand. Our team will be on-site to provide demonstrations and discuss how advanced simulation can fit into your training journey, whether you're a student pilot or a seasoned aviator.

For those who can't make it to Oshkosh, the SG-2 will be available for training at our Fort Meade, MD facility starting in August 2026.

This is more than just a new piece of equipment; it's a commitment to the future of flight training. We believe the SG-2 will help create safer, more proficient pilots, and we can't wait to share it with the aviation community.