Flight Training in
Fort Meade, Maryland

Right here at Tipton Airport (KFME), learn to fly in our Cessna 172s with the simulator built into every program, and keep training when the weather turns.

❮
❯

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.

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.

Not sure which program fits you?

Call (410) 705-2250

Our 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.

Meet the Full Team
Todd O'Brien, Founder, Chief Instructor at Solid Ground Aviation

Todd O'Brien

Founder, Chief Instructor
CFICFIIMEIATP

Todd 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, Instructor at Solid Ground Aviation

Marty Sacks

Instructor
CFICFII

Marty 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, Instructor at Solid Ground Aviation

Todd Breese

Instructor
CFICFIIMEIATP

Todd 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, Instructor at Solid Ground Aviation

Mike Allen

Instructor
CFICFII

Mike 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, Instructor at Solid Ground Aviation

Jeff Barnett

Instructor
CFICFIIMEIATPFE

Jeff 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
Flight Training Guide Ebook

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.

Call Us
Where is Solid Ground Aviation located?
We're at 7515 General Aviation Drive, Fort Meade, MD 20755 — on the grounds of Tipton Airport (KFME), centrally located between Baltimore and Washington D.C. Easy access from I-95, I-295, and Route 32.
Do I need a pilot certificate to train here?
No certificate required. We welcome everyone from complete beginners to ATP-level pilots. Our New Pilot Accelerator and Youth Discovery sessions are specifically designed for zero-experience students.
How many simulator hours count toward my FAA certificate?
Our FAA-approved SG-2 AATD allows you to log 2.5 hours toward a Private Pilot Certificate, up to 20 hours toward an Instrument Rating, and up to 50 hours toward a Commercial Pilot Certificate.
How much does simulator training cost?
Simulator rental is $65/hr and instruction is $60/hr. Most programs run $125/hr combined. The New Pilot Accelerator is a flat $460 package. No hidden fees — what you see is what you pay.
Are sessions available on weekends and evenings?
Yes — we're open 7 days a week, 7 AM to 10 PM. Simulator sessions are never cancelled due to weather or maintenance, so your training schedule stays consistent no matter what.
Can I use this simulator if I train at another flight school?
Absolutely. Many students use our sim to supplement training they're getting elsewhere. Bring your own CFI or train with one of ours — we welcome both setups.
Is the SG-2 simulator approved for instrument currency?
Yes. Our SG-2 is an FAA-approved AATD and qualifies for logging all tasks required for instrument currency under FAR 61.57, with or without an instructor present.
What aircraft does the simulator replicate?
The SG-2 can be configured for the Cessna 172 and Piper PA-28 series with dozens of FAA-approved instrument panel configurations. We can match it to the specific aircraft you fly.

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.

Hours

Monday–Sunday, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Base Airport

Tipton Airport (KFME)