History
STARTED WITH AN AIRPLANE AND A MISSION
Why ADF?
Over 3 decades ago, Alex Derly Farkas started a small flight school with just one aircraft. Alex had a passion for flying and had spent most of her time until then learning how to fly everything from hang gliders to advanced airplanes. Having gained enough experience to become a flight instructor, she felt a need to share her vast experience with others who had a passion for flying. On January 1st, 1984, Alex and her sister Yazmin created ADF Airways; it’s mission: To give students the tools they would need to succeed in the complex world of aviation.
As ADF graduates went out into the aviation world, they displayed superior knowledge and airmanship. Aviation organizations began to take notice, and through word of mouth, the number of students began increasing, as did the number of aircraft and instructors.
Today, ADF airways has a fleet of aircraft ranging from single engine basic trainers to the latest in glass cockpit technology. ADF airways are a fully certificated part 141 flight school, meeting the rigorous standards set by the US Federal Aviation Administration. We have graduated over 6,000 pilots and helped them attain well over 20,000 certificates.
Although the company has grown over the years, we still maintain the same family atmosphere we had when Alex had a plane and a mission. We strongly believe that pilots are members of an elite group, and while we have high standards, we work with all of our students to help them achieve their goals
With so many flight schools out there, why would you want to choose ADF airways for your flight training? The answers: Quality and Honesty.
Quality: Other flight schools may promise you quick graduation times but they have to sacrifice some learning in order to get you there. While these schools will meet the minimums for a particular certificate or rating, they sometimes fail to turn out quality pilots. ADF Airways will sit with you, tailor your training to meet your individual needs, and set realistic deadlines which will allow you to become a quality pilot that exceeds the FAA requirements.
Honesty: Some flight schools will promise you a set rate to get all of your certificates and rating, but do not tell you about additional fees and expenses. ADF Airways does its level best to make certain you understand all fees and expenses you might incur during your training. In some cases, students actually spend less than the original ADF estimate.
We’re here if you need us.
Call, e-mail us, or fax us. We’re here to answer any questions you may have regarding training or aviation in general. Once you get to know us, you’ll like our approach, and we’re certain you’ll choose ADF airways to guide you into the wonderful world of aviation.
1986
1986
Alex Derly Farkas graduated as a commercial pilot and began instructing under Part 61.
1988
On April 5, ADF was officially founded by Alex Farkas, who rented one airplane and a small office at Tamiami Airport. The acronym ADF, in addition to representing the founder’s initials, was also at that time a navigation instrument.
1989
ADF rented an office at Tac Air, inside Tamiami Airport. Alex was able to purchase two more airplanes.
1992
Hurricane Andrew struck Miami, putting many flight schools out of business. ADF had to close for two months; however, it managed to continue providing training to its students after hard work and government assistance. ADF lost two of the three airplanes it owned.
1995
Yazmin Farkas joined the school to be part of the dream. At that time, ADF was able to expand its fleet back to three airplanes. During this period, ADF acquired its first FTD (Flight Training Device) to enhance the training experience.
2001
ADF acquired its first Redbird FTDs for the school. This would help instructors improve the quality of ground school training.
2001
The agreement with Miami Dade College begins.
2005
Ten years later, ADF was growing; at that time, the school had a fleet of eight aircraft, including Cessna 172s and 152s. However, Hurricane Katrina struck Miami—but this time, ADF was prepared and managed to mitigate all risks.
2007
Alex left the FAA, and Shirley Farkas joined the school. At the time, it was difficult to find instructors to be part of the school—there were not enough pilots in the United States qualified to work as instructors.
2008
Alex leaves the FAA, and Shirley Farkas joins the School. Currently, it was hard to find instructors to be part of the school. There were not enough Pilots in the US that could work as instructors.Â
2009
ADF secured an agreement to lease a Redbird Full Motion simulator.
2010
The agreement with Miami Dade College is finalized.
2013
ADF created the Jet Transition Preparation program, including the acquisition of the 737-800 NG simulator. At this point, ADF was able to expand its fleet to 20 aircraft. ADF also purchased a warehouse outside the airport. This space would be used for the Jet Transition course.
2015
ADF purchased two Redbird full-motion simulators. During this year, ADF provided instruction to hundreds of students from many parts of the world.
2016
ADF included an Airbus A320 simulator for the Jet Transition course.
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