Areas We Serve
Serving the Mid-Atlantic Corridor
Located at Tipton Airport (KFME), we provide professional simulator training to pilots throughout the region. Choose your location to see how easily you can reach our Fort Meade facility.
Fort Meade, MD
Our home base at Tipton Airport (KFME).
Laurel, MD
10 min drive to Tipton Airport (KFME).
Odenton, MD
10 min drive to Tipton Airport (KFME).
Severn, MD
12 min drive to Tipton Airport (KFME).
Columbia, MD
15 min drive to Tipton Airport (KFME).
Annapolis, MD
20 min drive to Tipton Airport (KFME).
Bowie, MD
20 min drive to Tipton Airport (KFME).
Greenbelt, MD
20 min drive to Tipton Airport (KFME).
Baltimore, MD
25 min drive to Tipton Airport (KFME).
Washington DC
35 min drive to Tipton Airport (KFME).
Frederick, MD
45 min drive to Tipton Airport (KFME).
Worth the Drive
Why Pilots Travel to Fort Meade
While our facility is based at Tipton Airport (KFME), our professional-grade simulator programs draw pilots from as far as Frederick and D.C.
Pilots consistently find that the short drive to Fort Meade saves them thousands of dollars in aircraft rental and months of training time compared to local, weather-dependent flight schools.
- Weather-independent training, so low ceilings don't cancel your lesson
- FAA-creditable simulator time that counts toward your rating
- Accelerated programs you can complete over consecutive days
Accelerated Training Programs
Fly In. Train Fast. Fly Home Ready.
Our accelerator programs are built for pilots who want results without long-term local scheduling. Train over consecutive days in FAA-approved simulators and complete your goals efficiently — whether you're staying current or advancing your career.
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Accelerated & Cost-Effective
Complete training in days instead of weeks. Simulator-based instruction reduces total cost while maintaining professional, FAA-approved standards.
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Instructor & Proficiency Accelerators
Ideal for CFI and CFII candidates seeking focused, scenario-based instruction over consecutive days with dedicated instructor support.
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Fast IPC Completion
Stay instrument current with an IPC Accelerator designed for traveling pilots. Fly in, train over two days, and return home current and confident.
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Designed for Traveling Pilots
Consecutive-day scheduling, predictable timelines, and simulator reliability make our programs ideal for pilots traveling in for training.
Efficiency & Cost Effective
Aircraft rentals can be costly and aren’t always the most practical choice for effective training.
Why spend upwards of $180/hr on aircraft rental when you can train smarter with advanced simulators for just $65/hr?
Discover how the latest aviation technology can make your training more efficient, effective, and affordable.
Save money without sacrificing quality, invest in smarter flight training.
New to Flight Training?
Get 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.
Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Solid Ground Aviation?
What does "we don't cancel lessons" mean?
What is flight simulator training and how does it work?
Does simulator training count towards my pilot's license?
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?
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?
Can I log instrument approaches in the simulator?
Who can benefit from simulator training?
Are there prerequisites?
I am training at a different flight school, can I train here too?
Do you offer flight lessons in aircraft?
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?
When can I train?
Got more any more questions? Contact Us
Blog Posts
Recent Aviation News
Todd O.
Oct 7, 2026
Accelerated or Part-Time Instrument Training? Find Your Pace in 2026
Not sure whether instrument rating accelerated training or a part-time pace suits you? Match your schedule, learning style and life load to a pace in 2026.
Todd O.
Oct 7, 2026
Accelerated vs. Traditional Instrument Rating Training in 2026
Compare accelerated instrument training with traditional weekly lessons side by side in 2026: structure, calendar, how hours are earned, cost drivers and outcomes.
Todd O.
Oct 9, 2026
Our Cessna 172 Fleet Is Here: Aircraft Training in 2026
Solid Ground Aviation now has a fleet of Cessna 172s and aircraft Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot programs. See the rates and how to start.
Ready to Train at Tipton Airport?
Wherever you're driving in from, a discovery session is the easiest way to see the simulator, meet an instructor and plan your training.