Pilot at the controls of the training aircraft during takeoff

Instrument Rating
Training in Fort Meade

Learn to fly by instruments in our Cessna 172s and our FAA-approved simulator, and keep training on the days that ground other pilots.

Fly Beyond Clear Skies

Earn Your Instrument Rating

The Instrument Rating makes you a more precise, more capable, and safer pilot. It qualifies you to fly under instrument flight rules (IFR) and operate in weather that would ground a VFR-only pilot.

Training combines ground instruction on IFR procedures and weather with flight lessons in the aircraft, covering instrument approaches, holds, and cross-country flights in the IFR system, up to the FAA checkride.

Train in our fleet of Cessna 172s: aircraft rental is $185/hour and flight instruction is $70/hour.

  • IFR Foundations: Learn instrument flight rules, charts, weather, and the IFR system.

  • Precision Flying: Fly by reference to instruments with accuracy and discipline.

  • Approaches and Procedures: Practice holds, approaches, and missed approaches.

  • Checkride Ready: Prepare for the FAA written test, oral exam, and practical test.

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View from the training aircraft cockpit during an approach

Features

What Your Training Includes

  • One-on-one instruction with an FAA-certified instrument instructor
  • Ground instruction on IFR regulations, charts, weather, and procedures
  • Instrument approaches, holding patterns, and en route IFR navigation
  • Pre-brief and debrief with every lesson
  • Checkride preparation and mock oral exam

Advantages

Why Train With Solid Ground Aviation

  • A structured syllabus built around the FAA Airman Certification Standards
  • Flexible scheduling that fits around work and family
  • Optional simulator accelerators to build instrument skills at lower cost
Training aircraft taking off, front view

Ready to Fly in the Clouds?

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

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Investment

Instrument Rating Training Costs

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

Instrument Rating

  • Dedicated, FAA-certified instrument instructors
  • Clear syllabus from first lesson to checkride
  • Pair with the Instrument Rating Accelerator to save time and cost
Begin Your Flight Journey

Instrument Rating

Instrument Rating

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.

Category *

Course *

Instrument Rating

Approaches in the Cessna 172, repetition in the simulator, and no lessons lost to weather.

Questions & Answers

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 ways. Some simulator time can count toward FAA requirements when you fly it with an authorized instructor. Under our FAA approvals, the SG-2 can credit up to 2.5 hours toward the Private Pilot certificate and up to 20 hours toward the Instrument Rating (up to 10 hours in the SG-2B configuration).

The bigger benefit is what the simulator does for your airplane time. Most students need more than the FAA minimum hours before the checkride, and practicing those extra hours in the simulator, where an hour costs less, keeps your training on track and your budget in check. See how the savings add up.
How much does simulator training cost?
Our simulator rents for $65/hr, and simulator instruction is $60/hr.

Compare that with $185/hr for one of our Cessna 172s, plus $70/hr for flight instruction, and you can see why we move repeatable work into the simulator. You get more learning per dollar, and your airplane money goes to what only an airplane can teach. 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 SG-2 is FAA-approved for instrument currency, so you can log the approaches, holding procedures and course intercepting and tracking that 14 CFR 61.57(c) asks for, with or without an instructor as your situation requires. Bring your logbook and we'll help you record the session. You can also read 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 Accelerator 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 your 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

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.