Your First Steps
From Curious to Private Pilot,
Here's How It Starts
You don't need any experience to start. Pick the first step that fits you, and we'll help you plan the rest around your schedule and budget.
Discovery Session
Meet one of our instructors and get a guided first lesson, with a briefing before and a debrief after, so you know what training feels like.
First Steps Course
A structured orientation to the Private Pilot path: prerequisites, medical, ground school, timelines and costs, plus an introductory lesson in our FAA-approved simulator.
Private Pilot License
Your first pilot certificate, flown in our Cessna 172s. The simulator is built into the program, so your airplane time goes to what only an airplane can teach.
Start Here
The First Steps Course
The First Steps Course is a structured orientation for anyone thinking about a Private Pilot License. You sit down with an instructor, get a clear training roadmap and fly an introductory lesson in our FAA-approved simulator, so you know the path before you commit to it.
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Clear Training Roadmap
Learn exactly what's required to begin flight training, from medical certificates and ground school to realistic timelines and cost expectations.
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Hands-On Simulator Experience
Experience a taste of flight training with an FAA-approved simulator lesson, no prior experience required.
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Low Commitment, High Clarity
Before investing in flight hours, gain the essential knowledge to make informed decisions about your pilot journey.
What's Included
Your Guided Introduction to Flight Training
We walk you through every step of the Private Pilot License journey, from prerequisites and medical exams to ground school, training materials and timelines, and finish with your first simulator flight.
- PPL Prerequisites Overview
- Ground School & Required Materials Guidance
- Introductory Flight Simulator Lesson
Where Beginners Start
Programs Built for
Your First Certificate
Every one of these leads to your Private Pilot License. Fly the airplane program on its own, or add simulator and ground school courses to arrive at each lesson ready.
$800
Ground School
Whether you plan to fly recreationally or pursue aviation professionally, this program provides the academic confidence needed to succeed.
$125/hr
New Pilot Accelerator
The New Pilot Accelerator is designed for individuals beginning their aviation journey.
$125/hr
Private Pilot Accelerator
Your Private Pilot License is where aviation begins, and the training standard you set early matters. At Solid Ground Aviation, your instruction is powered by FAA-approved AATD flight simulation and experienced CFIs who fly real-world operations every day.
Aircraft + Simulator
Private Pilot License
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.
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.
Your Simulator Head Start
New Pilot Accelerator Course
The New Pilot Accelerator Course (NPAC) is for new pilots ready to go past orientation. Four simulator sessions cover the skills you would otherwise pay to learn in the airplane, so your first Private Pilot lessons in our Cessna 172s start further along.
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Master the Basics Early
Learn essential flight procedures, like takeoffs, landings, traffic patterns, stall recovery and radio operations, before you ever step into an aircraft.
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Save Time and Money
Train in the simulator at a fraction of the cost. Students typically save over $1,000 by completing this phase before moving into the aircraft.
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Loggable FAA-Approved Time
Earn up to 2.5 loggable hours toward your Private Pilot Certificate in an FAA-approved AATD simulator, with an authorized instructor.
What's Included
A 4-Part Introductory Flight Training Program
NPAC covers the skills and knowledge areas new pilots need first. It bridges the First Steps Course and your Private Pilot training in the airplane.
- Simulator Familiarization & Basic Flight
- Takeoffs, Landings & Traffic Pattern
- Stall Recovery, Airspace & GPS Navigation
- Radio Operations & EFB Orientation
Train on Your Schedule
Short on Time?
Train in Focused Blocks
You can work toward your certificate in concentrated stretches when your calendar allows. These programs pair ground and simulator work so every airplane lesson counts.
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Private Pilot Accelerator
Front-load the procedures of your Private Pilot training in the simulator, then fly them in the airplane.
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Ground School
Get the knowledge side done with an instructor, from airspace to weather to the FAA written test.
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Accelerated Training for Traveling Pilots
Coming from out of town? Train over consecutive days at Tipton Airport and head home with real progress.
Gift Experiences
Give the Gift of Flight
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.
First Steps Course
The ultimate gift for aspiring aviators. Includes a career mentoring brief designed specifically to launch youth into their aviation journey.
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.
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.
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.
Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any experience to start?
No experience needed. Most of our students start with a discovery session or the First Steps Course, and we take it from there.
What airplane will I learn in?
You'll train in our fleet of Cessna 172s, with G5 instruments and Garmin GPS. Our simulator and the airplanes are in the same building at Tipton Airport, so moving between them is easy.
How much does flight training cost?
Aircraft rental is $185 per hour and instruction is $70 per hour, so one hour of dual flight is $255 before ground instruction, testing and supplies. Your total depends on how many hours you need, and we'll walk you through a realistic plan before you start.
What happens if the weather is bad on my lesson day?
We don't cancel lessons. When the weather or an airplane says no, your lesson moves to the simulator or ground instruction, so your training keeps moving.
How long does a Private Pilot License take?
The FAA minimum under Part 61 is 40 hours, and the FAA cites about 75 hours as the U.S. average. Your pace and schedule make the difference, and practicing in the simulator first helps you arrive at each lesson ready.
What's the difference between the discovery session and the First Steps Course?
The discovery session is a quick way to meet an instructor and try a lesson. The First Steps Course goes deeper, with a full roadmap of the Private Pilot path.
Got more any more questions? Contact Us
We Don't Cancel Lessons
Your Flight School Has a Weather Problem.
Solid Ground Doesn't.
When the weather or an airplane says no, your lesson moves to the simulator or ground instruction. Your Private Pilot training keeps moving instead of waiting for the next clear day.