Solid Ground Aviation Fort Meade MD - Pilots smiling inside plane on the ground

Save Time and Money with
Simulator-First Flight Training

Stop burning money on unproductive flight hours. Compare our data-driven training model against traditional methods and see why pilots in Fort Meade, Odenton, and Annapolis are switching to the sim.

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Future-Proof Your Training

Accelerate Your Pilot Training in the Simulator

Professional pilots begin training in simulators to build foundational skills in a controlled, ideal learning environment before paying aircraft rental rates.

See The Technology
Step 1

New Pilot Accelerator

Learn the basics in a controlled environment before paying aircraft rental rates.

  • 4 Lessons
  • Basic Maneuvers
  • Checklist Procedures
  • Takeoffs/Landings
  • Radio Operations
Step 2

Start Aircraft Training

We connect you with the best provider for your needs.

  • First Flight Lesson
  • Basic Maneuvers
  • First Solo Preparation
Step 3

Return to the Simulator

You choose when to train. The more you learn in the sim, the more you will save!

  • Emergency Procedures
  • Crosswind Landings
  • VOR Navigation
  • Checkride Prep

Flight Hours Cost Comparison

The FAA requires 40 hours, but the reality of training often reaches 70. See how our advanced simulators close the gap.

National Avg (70hr)
FAA Minimum Requirement (40hr)
Transition to Cockpit
Start Aircraft Training
New Pilot Accelerator
Full Aircraft

SAVE WITH SIM:

$3,150

Traditional Path

$11,900
All Aircraft Hours Weather Dependent Standard Pace Weather Cancellations

Supplement with Sim

$8,750
40h Aircraft + 30h Sim Faster Proficiency Unlimited repetitions Save $3,150
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Pilot's view of Cessna wing over cloud deck during cross-country training near Fort Meade MD.

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.

Get Your Currency Plan

Stop Burning Money on the Wrong Hours.

Reduce Training Costs by 25% with Simulators.

Whether you are a new student pilot or looking to finish a rating, our simulator-first approach is the most cost-effective choice in the region. Reach out and let’s get you flying.

Start Saving Today

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

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of simulator do you use?
We use our custom-built SG-2, FAA-approved as an Advanced Aviation Training Device (SG-2A) and a Basic Aviation Training Device (SG-2B). It has wraparound visuals, authentic controls and a wide range of cockpit configurations, from analog gauges to glass panels like the G1000. You can see our full list of panels on the simulator page.
Can the simulator match the instrument panel of my training aircraft?
Yes. We have many FAA-approved panel configurations, from classic steam gauges to glass cockpits like the Garmin G1000 and G5 with a range of GPS units, so you can practice on G5 displays before you fly our Cessna 172s. We can also build custom panels to closely match your own or a rental aircraft, and FAA credit applies only to our approved configurations. You can see our full list of panels here.
What makes your simulator feel so realistic?
Our simulator is designed for immersion. It features force-feedback controls that replicate the feel of the aircraft, stunning 4K wraparound visuals for situational awareness, and full integration with EFB apps like ForeFlight on your iPad. You can learn more about our simulator technology on our page.
Can I use the simulator without an instructor?
Yes. After a simulator checkout with one of our instructors, you can book solo practice sessions.
Is your simulator FAA-approved for logging instrument approaches?
Yes. Our simulator is FAA-approved as an Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD), which lets you log certain flight experience, including the approaches, holds and course tracking for instrument currency. You can review our FAA Letter of Approval (LOA) on our simulators page.
I'm interested in buying a simulator for my home or flight school. Do you sell them?
Yes, we do. We offer our SG-series simulators for purchase by flight schools, flying clubs, businesses, or for home use. Pricing varies based on the configuration you need. Please contact us for a sales inquiry.
How exactly does simulator training reduce the total cost of a pilot's license?
Simulator training reduces costs by replacing expensive aircraft hours with more affordable, focused simulator time. For example, you can master complex procedures without paying for fuel, transit time to a practice area, or weather delays. You can see a detailed flight training cost comparison on our advantages page.
Can I really learn faster with flight simulator training compared to only using an airplane?
Yes. Our simulators allow for instant repetition and focused practice on specific skills, like instrument approaches or emergency procedures. This learning density is much higher than in an aircraft, where time is spent on ground taxiing or flying to practice areas. This is a big part of how we build the simulator into every program, and it helps you get proficient faster.
What's the financial advantage of using an FAA approved flight simulator for instrument currency?
Maintaining instrument currency in an aircraft can be costly due to rental fees, fuel, and instructor time. With our FAA-approved simulator, you can log the approaches, holds and course tracking you need at a fraction of the cost, on your own schedule, and without weather concerns. Explore the advantages of simulator training for pilots to see how much you can save.

Got more any more questions? Contact Us

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