Solid Ground Aviation Fort Meade MD - Ground school instructor explaining aviation charts 4

Private Pilot License

The first step toward flying on your own. Train in the aircraft with a dedicated instructor and a clear path to your checkride.

Start Your Aviation Journey

Become a Private Pilot

The Private Pilot License is the foundation of every pilot's journey. It lets you fly an aircraft as pilot in command, carry passengers, and explore the skies for personal travel and recreation.

Training combines ground instruction with hands-on flight lessons in the aircraft, taking you from your first takeoff through solo flights and cross-country navigation to the FAA checkride.

Train in our Cessna 172M, N9961V: aircraft rental is $185/hour and flight instruction is $70/hour.

  • Aeronautical Knowledge: Learn aerodynamics, aircraft systems, FAA regulations, weather, and cross-country planning.
  • Flight Proficiency: Build real stick-and-rudder skills in takeoffs, landings, maneuvers, and emergency procedures.
  • Solo Milestone: Take off, navigate, and land on your own for the first time.
  • Checkride Ready: Prepare for the FAA written test, oral exam, and practical test.
Student pilot preparing the training aircraft before a lesson

Features

What Your Training Includes

  • One-on-one flight instruction with an FAA-certified flight instructor
  • Ground instruction covering aerodynamics, weather, regulations, and navigation
  • Pre-brief and debrief with every flight lesson
  • Solo flight and cross-country training
  • Checkride preparation and mock oral exam

Advantages

Why Train With Solid Ground Aviation

  • A structured syllabus so you always know what comes next
  • Flexible scheduling that fits around work and school
  • Optional simulator accelerators to sharpen skills between flights
Student pilot and instructor taking off in the training aircraft

Ready to Take Off?

Talk with our team about your goals and schedule, and find out how soon you can start flying.

Investment

Private Pilot Training Costs

Total cost depends on your pace, your aircraft hours, and how prepared you are for each lesson. Contact us for current rates and a personalized estimate.

Private Pilot License

  • Dedicated, FAA-certified instructors
  • Clear syllabus from first lesson to checkride
  • Pair with simulator accelerators to save time and cost
Begin Your Flight Journey

Private Pilot License

Private Pilot License

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.

Private Pilot License

Earn your Private Pilot License with structured, aircraft-based flight training and experienced instructors at Solid Ground Aviation.

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.

Contact Now

Frequently Asked Questions

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?
We don't operate our own aircraft, by design. Instead, we partner with local flight schools to give you a smooth transition between simulator training and real-world flying.

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
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.

Efficiency & Cost Effective

Aircraft rentals can be costly and aren’t always the most practical choice for effective training.

Why spend upwards of $180/hr on aircraft rental when you can train smarter with advanced simulators for just $65/hr?

Discover how the latest aviation technology can make your training more efficient, effective, and affordable.

Save money without sacrificing quality, invest in smarter flight training.

Get Your Currency Plan