Nose and cowling of a Cessna 172 on the ramp at sunset

Flight Training Programs
in Fort Meade, Maryland

Earn your private pilot, instrument or commercial certificate in our fleet of Cessna 172s, with the simulator built into every program so your airplane hours go to what only an airplane can teach.

See the Programs Book a Discovery Session

Our Programs

Flight Training Programs
for Every Stage of Flying

Start with the aircraft programs: Private Pilot, Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot, flown in our Cessna 172s with simulator sessions built into the plan. Already flying? Scroll down for simulator programs in currency, avionics, jet transition and interview prep.

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. Consecutive-day scheduling, predictable timelines, and simulator reliability make our programs ideal for pilots traveling in for training.

2-3 Days Programs

Accelerated Programs

Complete training in days instead of weeks. Simulator-based instruction reduces total cost while maintaining professional, FAA-approved standards.

2-3 Days Programs

CFI & CFII Accelerators

Ideal for CFI and CFII candidates seeking focused, scenario-based instruction over consecutive days with dedicated instructor support.

2-3 Days Program

IR Accelerator

Achieve your instrument rating efficiently with our focused accelerator program. Train over consecutive days in our FAA-approved.

2 Day Program

IPC Accelerator

Stay instrument current with an IPC Accelerator designed for traveling pilots. Fly in, train over two days, and return home current and confident.

Flight Training Guide Ebook

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.

Gift Experiences

Give the Gift of Flight

Close-up of a Cessna 172 nose and cockpit at sunset 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.

Gift Experience Discovery Flight
Book a Discovery Flight
Career Mentoring

First Steps Course

The ultimate gift for aspiring aviators. Includes a career mentoring brief designed specifically to launch youth into their aviation journey.

Gift Investment $115
Affordable Intro

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.

Gift Investment $60
Most Popular
Instruction & Wings Credit

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.

Gift Investment $125
Instruction & 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.

Gift Investment $250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Solid Ground Aviation?
We're a Flight Training Center at Tipton Airport (KFME) in Fort Meade, Maryland. We teach Private Pilot, Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot programs in our fleet of Cessna 172s, with our FAA-approved simulator built into every program. Licensed pilots train here too, for instrument currency, IPCs, proficiency and jet interview prep. See our programs.
What does "we don't cancel lessons" mean?
When the weather or an airplane says no, your lesson moves to the simulator or ground instruction, so your training keeps moving. You keep your lesson time and work on what your syllabus needs next instead of losing the day.
What is flight simulator training and how does it work?
It's hands-on flight practice in a high-fidelity simulator that replicates the controls, instruments, and visuals of an airplane. You can take off, navigate, and land without leaving the ground, practicing at your own pace and retrying maneuvers as needed. This allows for safe, realistic training, even in challenging conditions like crosswinds or low visibility. Learn more about our simulators.
Does simulator training count towards my pilot's license?
Yes! In two main ways.
  1. The FAA allows 2.5 hours to be counted towards the Private Pilot requirements, and 20 hours towards the Instrument rating requirements.
  2. 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?
Our simulator rents for $65/hr, and instruction is $60/hr.

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?
Simulators save you time by eliminating travel to practice areas, weather cancellations, and other ground-based delays. Every hour in the sim is dedicated to learning, which means you can master procedures faster and make your time in the aircraft more efficient. See a detailed time and cost breakdown.
Can I log instrument approaches in the simulator?
Yes! Our FAA approved AATDs allow you to log all your 61.57 instrument approach currency with or without an instructor. Same-day appointments are often available. You can see our simulator's FAA approval letter here.
Who can benefit from simulator training?
Pilots of all levels, from brand-new enthusiasts to experienced professionals. It's great for prospective pilots, student pilots, licensed pilots looking to stay sharp, and those practicing advanced or emergency procedures.
Are there prerequisites?
No prior flying experience is required. Beginners can start with an intro course, and experienced pilots can jump into advanced sessions. Solo use requires a pilot certificate and a short orientation. Check out our New Pilot Acelerator Course
I am training at a different flight school, can I train here too?
Absolutely. Many students use our simulator to reinforce skills learned elsewhere. You can train with you current instructor in our simulator or with one of our instructors to get a fresh perspective!
Do you offer flight lessons in aircraft?
Yes. You fly with us in our fleet of Cessna 172s, equipped with G5 instruments and Garmin GPS. Aircraft rental is $185/hr and flight instruction is $70/hr, and the simulator is built into every program so each flight lesson goes further. Meet our fleet.

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?
Most training sessions last between 1-3 hours. We can train longer, but we focus on quality training and find that this timeframe produces the best results.
When can I train?
Our training center is open from 7AM-10pm 7 days a week. We link you with an instructor that matches your availability to maximize convenience.

Got more any more questions? Contact Us

Instructor and student flying a foggy approach in the Solid Ground simulator

Your Flight School Has a Weather Problem.
Solid Ground Doesn't.

Low ceilings and a down airplane don't cost you a lesson here. When the weather says no, you train in the simulator or with your instructor on the ground, and your progress keeps moving. Come see how it works in a discovery session.

Book a Discovery Session