- May 12, 2026
- 8 min read
Our Flight Training 101 Free Session
Stop Guessing. Start Flying.
The dream of flight is powerful, but for many, the path to the cockpit feels like a series of guesses. How much does it really cost? How long does it take? What about the medical? At Solid Ground Aviation, we believe your journey should start with a roadmap, not a question mark.
We are hosting a free, zero-pressure community info session at our Fort Meade, MD facility in Fort Meade. This 60-minute session is built for anyone curious about aviation, from career changers and student pilots to parents and aviation-curious neighbors. Join us to get the clarity you need to move from the sidelines to the pilot's seat.
The Roadmap: From Discovery Flight to Checkride
During this session, we walk you through the entire process step-by-step. You will see what a typical training path looks like, including the major milestones like your first solo, cross-country flights, and final checkride preparation. We focus on how to build a Private Pilot certificate, add an Instrument rating, or move toward a Commercial certificate.
Our instructors will explain how habits and smart scheduling can help you keep your training moving. We’ll show you how simulator training can be a cost-effective way to practice repeatable procedures before you ever leave the ground.
For those who already have their wings
This session is about what comes next. Whether you are looking to add an Instrument Rating (IFR) to conquer the clouds or a Commercial Certificate to turn your passion into a career, we provide the technical roadmap to get there efficiently.
Connect with instructors, learn about the 'soft skills' of professional aviation, and learn from cockpit resource management to navigating the hiring process at legacy carriers.
Learn From Professional Aviators
Our sessions are led by instructors who bring thousands of hours of experience across military and corporate aviation. You’ll have the chance to hear from a retired Navy aviator and former FedEx international captain, as well as pilots with major-airline backgrounds.
This isn't just theory; it's real-world insight. Whether you have zero hours or you're already a student pilot, you can get answers from those who have navigated every stage of a professional aviation career.
Total Cost Transparency
We don't hide the numbers. We will walk through the common cost categories you'll encounter: aircraft rental, instructor time and gear. Our goal is to help you budget realistically so there are no financial surprises halfway through your training.
We’ll also discuss the medical certification process. You don't need a medical certificate to attend the session or even to start your first lessons, but we will explain when it becomes relevant and how to get official guidance from an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).
The Simulator Advantage
One of the highlights of the session is seeing how we use our FAA-compliant BATD (Basic Aviation Training Device) to accelerate learning. We’ll demonstrate how practicing maneuvers and radio calls in a controlled simulator environment makes your aircraft time significantly more productive and less stressful.
Join Us at Fort Meade, MD
Ready to see the roadmap for yourself? Register for one of our upcoming sessions and take the first step toward your wings.
Dates & Times:
• Monday, May 27: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Thursday, June 6: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Solid Ground Aviation, 7515 General Aviation Dr, Fort Meade, MD 20755 (Next to the Tipton Airport FBO).
How to Subscribe/Register: Visit our Contact Page.
Tip: You can also download our Flight Training Basics guide for some early reading before you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this session really free? Yes. This is a community event designed to help aspiring pilots get started correctly. There is no credit card or lesson obligation required to attend.
Do I need prior experience? None at all. This session was built for zero-time beginners, career changers, and family members.
Can I bring guests? Friends and family are welcome! We just ask that every attendee registers in advance so we can manage seating.