Why Solid Ground
Why Laurel Pilots Choose Solid Ground Aviation
10 Minutes From Laurel
From central Laurel, take MD-198 West or MD-32 South directly to General Aviation Drive. Tipton Airport is a 10-minute drive — the shortest commute to pro-level sim training in the region.
Best Value in the Corridor
At $65/hr simulator and $60/hr instruction, Solid Ground Aviation is one of the most affordable FAA-approved training options between Baltimore and D.C. — and the closest dedicated sim center to Laurel.
Train Any Day, Regardless of Weather
No more checking METARs before your session. Our simulators run 365 days a year — snow, fog, thunderstorms, or MVFR conditions won't cancel your session.
Airline & Military Instructors
Every session is led by career pilots — airline captains and military aviators who bring real-world cockpit judgment to every lesson.
FAA-Creditable Simulator Hours
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.
Configured to Match Your Aircraft
Flying out of Freeway Airport or another local field? We set up the SG-2 to replicate your aircraft's specific panel for direct skill transfer.
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 for Laurel, MD Pilots
10 minutes from Laurel — every level of FAA-approved simulator training from first-time flyers to IPC and career transition.
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 your goals?
Call (410) 705-2250Our Instructors
Instructors With Real Airline and Military Flight Experience
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 in Laurel and Across the I-95 Corridor
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
- KW00 Freeway Airport 5 mi
- KFME Tipton Airport (SGA Location) 8 mi
- KBWI Baltimore/Washington International 12 mi
- KCGS College Park Airport 12 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
Questions From Laurel-Area Pilots
Have a question that isn't answered here? Give us a call and our team will be happy to help.
How do I get to Solid Ground Aviation from Laurel?
Is there a flight simulator in Laurel itself?
What's the closest public-use airport to Laurel?
How much does simulator training cost?
Can I train in the evenings after work in Laurel?
Do you offer FAA WINGS credit?
Can I use the SG-2 simulator to stay instrument current?
Ready to Fly?
Laurel Pilots: Your Sim Is 10 Minutes Away
Open 7 AM to 10 PM, 7 days a week. The closest dedicated FAA-approved sim training to Laurel — no long commute, no weather holds.