Why Solid Ground
Why Severn Pilots Choose Solid Ground Aviation
12 Minutes — One of the Shortest Drives in the Region
From Severn, take Reece Road or MD-174 directly to MD-175 West. Tipton Airport is under 12 minutes away — making SGA one of the closest sim training options for any pilot in the state.
The Best Sim Value Between Baltimore and D.C.
At $65/hr simulator and $60/hr instruction, SGA delivers FAA-approved training at a price point that doesn't require a second mortgage. Most programs are $125/hr combined — all-in.
Train 365 Days a Year
Maryland weather is unpredictable. Our simulators are not. Open every day of the year, 7 AM to 10 PM — your training calendar is yours to control.
Airline & Military Instructors
Our instructors are career aviators — former Navy pilots, airline captains, and professional CFIIs — not new certificated pilots logging hours on students.
Real FAA Credit
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 under Part 61.
A Real Airport Environment
We operate at Tipton Airport (KFME) — not a shopping center sim room. You train on a live GA field with active aircraft, radio environment, and authentic airfield culture.
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 Severn, MD Pilots
12 minutes from Severn — FAA-approved simulator training for every level from complete beginner through career aviation.
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 Careers Built in Professional Aviation
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 Severn and Central Anne Arundel County
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
- KFME Tipton Airport (SGA Location) 5 mi
- KBWI Baltimore/Washington International 7 mi
- KANP Lee Airport 16 mi
- KW00 Freeway Airport 12 mi
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 Severn-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 Severn?
Is there a flight simulator in Severn or Odenton?
Is BWI a factor for local flight training?
How often can I realistically train if I live in Severn?
What's the cost?
Can I train here as a complete beginner with no flight experience?
Do you accept walk-ins or is scheduling required?
Ready to Fly?
Severn Pilots: 12 Minutes to Your Next Session
Open 7 AM to 10 PM, 7 days a week. No weather cancellations, no aircraft scheduling conflicts — just professional FAA-approved sim training practically in your backyard.