Instructor explaining a map and weather briefing to students at Solid Ground Aviation in Fort Meade, MD

Your Clear Path to
the Cockpit Starts Here.

Join a free session led by our instructors, including military and airline aviators, who will show you exactly how to save time and money on your training.

What You Need To Know

Free Flight 101 Session
at Tipton Airport

Ever wondered what it's actually like to train as a pilot? Flight 101 is a free, one-hour session at Tipton Airport that lays out the roadmap to your pilot's license. Meet our instructors, tour our fleet of Cessna 172s and the simulator we build into every program, and get answers to all your questions about starting flight training.

  • New dates coming soon. Claim your seat below and we'll let you know as soon as the next session is scheduled.
  • At Tipton Airport, for FREE!

Who It's For

Is Flight 101 Right for You?

If you have a million questions and would like to learn how you can save time and money on your training, you are exactly who we built this for.

Solid Ground Aviation Fort Meade MD - Ground school instructor explaining aviation charts 5

The Student Pilot

You’ve already started training elsewhere but feel stuck, overcharged, or overwhelmed by the pace.

Solid Ground Aviation Fort Meade MD - Instructor and student landing in foggy weather using simulator

The Aspiring Hobbyist

You’ve always looked at the sky and wondered what it takes to be up there, but you don’t know the first step.

Solid Ground Aviation Fort Meade MD - CFI explaining map to student during ground school

The Career Changer

You’re tired of the 9-to-5 and want to know if a professional pilot career is a realistic move for your future.

Licensed pilot practicing in the simulator at Solid Ground Aviation

The Licensed Pilot

You already have your wings but want to keep your skills sharp, master new maneuvers, or continue building toward your next rating or career milestone.

What We Cover

Your Student Roadmap,
Step by Step

In one hour we walk you through the six things every new student asks about, with real numbers and straight answers.

Top view of a map with a pilot logbook, pen, ruler, and protactors on top of it

01. The Roadmap to Your Wings

A clear step-by-step overview of the journey, from your very first lesson to passing your checkride with confidence.

Solid Ground Aviation Fort Meade MD - Personalized flight training with instructor and student in simulator

02. The "Hidden" Cost of Flight School

No "starting at" marketing prices. Get the actual numbers for flying or simulators, instructors, and gear so you can budget without surprises.

SG-2 simulator panel and wraparound screens at Solid Ground Aviation

03. Training at the Speed of Life

Learn the habits and scheduling choices that keep students moving, so your license doesn't drag on for years.

Nose and propeller of a Cessna parked on the ramp at sunset

04. Your Career vs. Your Hobby

Private, Instrument, or Commercial? We help you identify which license fits your personal goals and long-term vision.

Solid Ground Aviation Fort Meade MD - Student hand maneuvering simulator map screen

05. The Simulator Built Into Every Program

See how the FAA-approved simulator in every one of our programs can take thousands of dollars off your total training bill, so your airplane money goes to what only an airplane can teach.

Student flying a lesson in a Solid Ground Aviation simulator in Fort Meade, MD

06. Unfiltered Q&A

Ask a Chief Instructor anything: no sales fluff, just real, honest answers from pilots who have landed in 60+ countries.

Instructor coaching a student in the SG-2 simulator at Solid Ground Aviation

Meet Your Instructors

Learn from 20,000+ Hours of Experience.

Your session is led by the same instructors who train our licensed and professional pilots, from a former FedEx captain and Navy squadron commander to an instructor who started flying more than 60 years ago. We've flown in nearly every weather condition imaginable, and now we're here to help you plan your first takeoff.

What You'll Leave With

The Shortest Path from the Ground to the Cockpit.

Bring your questions and leave with a plan. Here's what we cover before the floor opens up.

  • An overview of what learning to fly is all about
  • What training really costs, from airplane time to the simulator
  • The timelines
  • The options for flying after you get your license
  • Open floor for beginner and expert questions
  • How we build the simulator into every program
Collaborative flight teaching at Solid Ground Aviation

Secure Your Entry

It takes 30 seconds to change your trajectory. Fill in all the fields below and submit.

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Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this really free?
Yes. Our goal is to build the aviation community. There is no credit card required and no obligation to sign up for lessons.
Do I need any experience?
Not at all. This session is designed for people on all levels of flight experience.
Can I bring a friend or family member?
Absolutely! Flying is better with a support system. Just make sure they register as well so we have enough seating.
Where is Flight 101 held?
At our Flight Training Center at Tipton Airport (KFME), 7515 General Aviation Dr, Fort Meade, MD 20755. Our simulator and our Cessna 172s work from the same building, so you'll see both.
Is Flight 101 the same as a discovery session?
Flight 101 is a free group session about cost, timelines and how training works. A discovery session is your own hands-on time at the controls with one of our instructors. Many people come to Flight 101 first, then book a discovery session.
I'm already a licensed pilot. Should I come?
Yes, you're welcome. Bring your questions about your next rating, instrument currency or a career move, and we'll point you to the right program.

Got more any more questions? Contact Us