Student pilot and instructor smiling inside the training aircraft

Private Pilot License
Training in Fort Meade

Learn to fly in our fleet of Cessna 172s with an instructor beside you and the simulator built into your training. And when the weather turns, your lesson still happens.

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 fleet of Cessna 172s: 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.

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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.

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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.

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Private Pilot License

Cessna 172 lessons with the simulator built in, at a pace that fits your week.

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.