Flight Training in
Laurel, Maryland

Just 10 minutes from Laurel, learn to fly in our Cessna 172s with the simulator built into every program, and keep training when the weather turns.

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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.

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.

Not sure which program fits your goals?

Call (410) 705-2250

Our 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.

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 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
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

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.

Call Us
How do I get to Solid Ground Aviation from Laurel?
From Laurel, take MD-198 West approximately 5 miles to MD-32 South, then MD-175 West to General Aviation Drive. The drive is about 10 minutes. You can also take MD-32 South directly from I-95 near Laurel.
Is there a flight simulator in Laurel itself?
There is no dedicated FAA-certified AATD simulator facility in Laurel. Solid Ground Aviation at Tipton Airport (KFME) is the closest — just 10 minutes away — offering logged FAA-credit sim training.
What's the closest public-use airport to Laurel?
Freeway Airport (KW00) in Mitchellville is approximately 5 miles from central Laurel. Tipton Airport (KFME), where Solid Ground Aviation operates, is about 8 miles away — and is the only location in the area with a dedicated FAA-certified training device.
How much does simulator training cost?
Simulator rental is $65/hr and instruction is $60/hr. Most programs are $125/hr combined. The New Pilot Accelerator is a flat $460 package. No hidden fees.
Can I train in the evenings after work in Laurel?
Yes — we're open 7 AM to 10 PM, 7 days a week. A 10-minute drive from Laurel means you can book an evening session and be back home in under two hours total.
Do you offer FAA WINGS credit?
All of our training programs qualify for FAA WINGS credit. Every session you complete counts toward your Wings Phase requirements automatically.
Can I use the SG-2 simulator to stay instrument current?
Yes. Our SG-2 is an FAA-approved AATD and is authorized for logging all tasks required for instrument currency under FAR 61.57, with or without an instructor.

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.

Hours

Monday–Sunday, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Base Airport

Tipton Airport (KFME)