Flight Training in
Severn, Maryland

Just 12 minutes from Severn, 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 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.

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.

Not sure which program fits your goals?

Call (410) 705-2250

Our 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.

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 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
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 Severn-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 Severn?
From Severn, take Reece Road or MD-174 to MD-175 West. Follow MD-175 to General Aviation Drive at Tipton Airport — about 12 minutes with minimal traffic at most times of day.
Is there a flight simulator in Severn or Odenton?
No dedicated FAA-certified AATD simulator exists in Severn or Odenton. Solid Ground Aviation at Tipton Airport (KFME) is the closest option — and at 12 minutes, it's practically local.
Is BWI a factor for local flight training?
BWI's Class B airspace creates restrictions for VFR training at nearby airports. Our simulator is completely unaffected by BWI traffic or airspace — you can practice any approach or procedure without restriction.
How often can I realistically train if I live in Severn?
At 12 minutes from your door, multiple sessions per week is entirely practical. Many of our most consistent students train 2–3 times weekly during active certificate or rating pursuits.
What's the cost?
Simulator rental is $65/hr and instruction is $60/hr — $125/hr combined for most programs. The New Pilot Accelerator is a flat $460 package.
Can I train here as a complete beginner with no flight experience?
Yes. Our New Pilot Accelerator and Youth Discovery Session are designed from the ground up for zero-experience students. No prior knowledge required.
Do you accept walk-ins or is scheduling required?
Scheduling in advance is recommended to guarantee your preferred time slot — especially for evenings and weekends. Call us at (410) 705-2250 or use the online booking form to reserve.

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.

Hours

Monday–Sunday, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Base Airport

Tipton Airport (KFME)