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 access our Fort Meade facility.
Annapolis, MD
Baltimore, MD
Bowie, MD
Columbia, MD
Fort Meade, MD
Frederick, MD
Greenbelt, MD
Laurel, MD
Odenton, MD
Severn, MD
Washington DC, DC
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.
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.
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→Frequently Asked Questions
What is flight simulator training and how does it work?
Does simulator training count towards my pilot's license?
- The FAA allows 2.5 hours to be counted towards the Private Pilot requirements, and 10 hours towards the Instrument rating requirements.
- The real benefit lies in reducing the amount of time required to train in the aircraft. Most students require more than the FAA minimum hours before they are ready for the checkride. Spending some of those extra hours in the simulator at a far lower cost will help save money and keep your training on track when weather or maintenance cancel flights.
How much does simulator training cost?
When you compare that $55/hr simulator rate to the typical $160-$180/hr cost of renting an aircraft, and factor in that you can accomplish far more training in one simulator hour than in the same time in the air, the value is clear. You get more learning, in less time, at a fraction of the cost.
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?
Blog Posts
Recent Aviation News
Solid Ground Aviation Team
Apr 8, 2026
What is the 1500 Hour Rule? A Guide for Future Airline Pilots
Understanding the 1500-hour rule is essential for any aspiring commercial pilot. Learn what it is and how simulator training helps you reach your goals faster.
Solid Ground Aviation Team
Mar 20, 2026
The Importance of the FAA Checkride: How to Pass with Confidence
The FAA checkride is the final hurdle to becoming a pilot. Discover why preparation is key and how simulator training ensures you are ready to pass on your first try.
Solid Ground Aviation Team
Apr 20, 2026
What Does It Mean to Be 'In the Soup'? A Guide to IFR Flying
Discover what pilots mean when they talk about flying 'in the soup.' Learn how simulator training prepares you for the challenges of flying in low visibility and clouds.
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.
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. Because our training is weather-independent and FAA-creditable, 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.
New to Flight Training?
Download 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.