Why Solid Ground
Why Pilots Choose Solid Ground Aviation in Fort Meade
No Weather Days — Ever
Maryland weather can't ground us. Our simulators run 7 AM to 10 PM, 365 days a year. No cancellations, no rescheduling headaches.
FAA Credit That Counts
Log 2.5 hours toward your Private Pilot certificate, up to 20 hours toward an Instrument Rating, and up to 50 hours toward a Commercial Pilot certificate on our FAA-approved SG-2 AATD.
Airline & Military Instructors
Every session is led by pilots with real-world time in military cockpits or commercial flight decks — not freshly-certified student teachers.
Built at an Active GA Airport
We operate at Tipton Airport (KFME) — a real GA environment with active traffic, radio calls, and the culture of a working airfield.
40–60% Lower Than Aircraft Training
At $65/hr simulator and $60/hr instruction, you access airline-quality training without airline prices. Save over $3,000 on your license.
Simulators We Designed Ourselves
The SG-2 was engineered in-house by Solid Ground Aviation. Off-the-shelf wasn't good enough — so we built our own.
Student Reviews
What Pilots Say
About Training Here
Real reviews from student and licensed pilots who train with us at Tipton Airport.
Training Programs
Training Programs Available at Fort Meade
From your very first session to airline interview prep — we have a program for every stage of your aviation journey.
New Pilot Accelerator
Take your first steps in a safe, structured environment before ever entering a real aircraft.
Investment
$125/hr
Private Pilot Accelerator
Supplement your PPL training and cut expensive aircraft rental hours significantly.
Investment
$125/hr
Instrument Rating Accelerator
Log up to 20 FAA-creditable hours toward your Instrument Rating on our approved AATD.
Investment
$125/hr
Rusty Pilot Refresh
Get current again with FAA WINGS credit — no aircraft rental or weather delays.
Investment
$125/hr
IPC Accelerator
Renew your Instrument Proficiency Check efficiently in the sim with an experienced CFII.
Investment
$125/hr
IMC Emergencies
Practice IFR emergency scenarios in realistic, repeatable, and completely safe conditions.
Investment
$172 (1.5 hrs)
Jet Transition / Interview Prep
Prepare for your first airline job with simulator-based interview and jet-profile training.
Investment
$125/hr
Youth Discovery Session
A 1.5-hour intro for teens and parents exploring aviation careers — mentoring included.
Investment
$99/session
Instrument Currency
Stay legally current on instruments at the most accessible rate in the region.
Investment
$65/hr
CFI/CFII Accelerator
Prepare to pass the checkride and become an instructor people can actually learn from.
Investment
$125/hr
Not sure which program fits you?
Call (410) 705-2250Our Instructors
Learn From Pilots Who've Done It at the Highest Level
Our certificated flight instructors bring airline, Navy, Civil Air Patrol and decades of teaching experience to every lesson, with the simulator built into how they teach.

Todd O'Brien
Founder, Chief InstructorTodd loves aviation and has been flying since 2007. In nearly 5,000 hours of flight time he has flown a wide variety of general aviation, military and corporate aircraft, and he currently flies for a major airline when he is not instructing at Solid Ground Aviation. He has landed in over 60 countries in nearly every weather condition imaginable. His passion for flight instruction led him to found Solid Ground Aviation, now a Flight Training Center at Tipton Airport, to share that experience with pilots of all experience levels.

Marty Sacks
InstructorMarty loves teaching aviation. His more than 40 years of flying began with his father, when he first caught the flying bug. After years of flying on his own, he developed a passion for flight instruction and has been teaching ever since. Marty devotes much of his time and instruction to the Civil Air Patrol, where he gets to fly state-of-the-art avionics, and he is no stranger to the variety of equipment in the general aviation fleet.

Todd Breese
InstructorTodd has been flying professionally for over 41 years. He started his career as an active duty Naval aviator, flying and instructing in the S-3 Viking, T-2 Buckeye and C-130 Hercules, and held numerous duty assignments, including chief evaluator and commander of two Navy squadrons. After retiring from the Navy, Todd flew as an international captain and test pilot for FedEx on the Airbus A300. Since retiring, he has returned to general aviation, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for teaching.

Mike Allen
InstructorMike started his flying career in gliders in England over 60 years ago. After moving to the U.S. and converting his UK licenses to FAA ones, he began a long career of flight instruction in all kinds of light aircraft, including his favorite J-3 Cub, and has given an impressive 7,000 hours of flight instruction. When he is not teaching the next generation of aviators, Mike enjoys flying Angel Flights for patients who need transportation.

Jeff Barnett
InstructorJeff brings a variety of experience as a professional flight instructor and former charter and airline pilot. After nearly a decade of instructing, he spent time flying Learjets and turboprop commuter aircraft for USAir Express. He then returned to flight instruction and has since passed 4,000 hours of instruction given. He especially enjoys teaching instrument students in a variety of avionics, and when he is not teaching, Jeff takes his Cessna 182 on family trips all over the country.
Service Area
Serving Pilots Across Maryland & the D.C. Region
Within 50 miles of our Flight Training Center at Tipton Airport, you can fly our Cessna 172s and train in our FAA-approved simulator without a long drive.
Nearby Airports
- KBWI Baltimore/Washington International 8 mi
- KMTN Martin State Airport 20 mi
- KW00 Freeway Airport 10 mi
- KCGS College Park Airport 16 mi
- KEDG Washington Executive/Hyde Field 18 mi
Drive Times to Tipton Airport
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Our Fort Meade Location
Have a question that isn't answered here? Give us a call and our team will be happy to help.
Where is Solid Ground Aviation located?
Do I need a pilot certificate to train here?
How many simulator hours count toward my FAA certificate?
How much does simulator training cost?
Are sessions available on weekends and evenings?
Can I use this simulator if I train at another flight school?
Is the SG-2 simulator approved for instrument currency?
What aircraft does the simulator replicate?
Ready to Fly?
Ready to Train at Fort Meade?
Sessions available 7 AM to 10 PM, 7 days a week. No weather holds. No waitlists. Just professional simulator training at a fraction of aircraft cost.