Our Approach

History

Gray's Creek Airport was founded in 1984 by Dale Smith when he began dusting crops in and around the local area. The airport originally consisted of a dirt strip that was less than 2,000 feet long, but in 1987 power lines on the north side of the runway were moved further north and the runway length was extended to 3,500 feet.

Alongside his crop dusting operation, Dale bought a Cessna 150 and began a small flight instructing operation based at the airport.

Gray's Creek Today

Today, the airport has several hangars on the field serving more than thirty tenants that live in the Fayetteville area. The runway remains 3,500 feet long and is 30 feet wide.

Dale's son, Scot, joined the family business after attending North Carolina State University. He now oversees all aircraft maintenance at Gray's Creek Airport and teaches classes to A&P mechanics and students.

Meet the Team

Our team truly is our family and we invite you to be a part of it.
Below are a few tid-bits about the folks that make our flight school what it is today.

Dale and Cindy Smith

Dale & Cindy Smith

Founder &
Operator of Grays Creek's On-Site CATS Testing Center

Dale Smith is the man that started it all in 1984. He now lives on the field with his wife Cindy and enjoys giving feedback on people's landings. Cindy runs the CATS Testing Center located in the main office at Grays Creek Airport.

Scot Smith

Scot Smith

Owner,  A&P IA

Scot is the owner of both the Flight School and the Maintenance Shop. He learned how to fly at Grays Creek Airport as a kid and now oversees all operations on the field. He's also a Commercial, Instrument and Multi-Engine rated pilot.

 

 

 

Dave Beville

David Beville

Certified Flight Instructor
Multi-Engine Rated

Dave has been flying since 2015. He has been with the Army for the past 20 years, has a Bachelor's in Aviation Management from Liberty and loves aviation. He enjoys sharing his passion for flying with others.

Contact David at (910) 644-0861

 

 

Dave Herwig

Dave Herwig

Certified Flight Instructor
Gold Seal CFI, CFI-I, MEI, Seaplane rated, AGI & ATP 

Dave jumped for 12 years with the U.S. Army Parachute Team, Golden Knight. He was recognized by AOPA in 2017 as one of the Regional Distinguished Flight Instructors.

Contact Dave at (910) 248-9820

 

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Alex Underwood

Certified Flight Instructor

Alex is a first generation pilot who began flying at 18 years old. He enjoys sharing his love for aviation with students. When not at the airport, he is usually hunting or golfing.

Contact Alex at (984) 368-0503

 

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Sullivan Jackson

A&P Mechanic

Sullivan was in the Army for 6 years doing Avionics on Apaches. He is currently working on his Private Pilot's Certificate. In his free time, he enjoys flying his drones and fishing.

 

 

 

 

 

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Courtney Brewington

Certified Flight Instructor
CFI, CFI-I, MEI

Courtney has been flying since 2021. After attending school at East Carolina University, she decided to change course and pursue flying as a career. She is excited to share all she has learned in her training with new students!
Contact Courtney Brewington at
(910) 260-4396

 

Elayne Humphrey Profile Pic

Elayne Humphrey

Certified Flight Instructor
CFI, CFI-I, MEI, Seaplane rated

Elayne has her Master's in Marketing Research, had her own website design business and homeschooled her kids prior to coming to Cape Fear Aviation to fulfill her life-long dream of being a pilot.

Contact Elayne at (910) 224-8312

 

 

Stephen Biddinger

Stephen Biddinger

Certified Flight Instructor,
Multi-Engine Rated Pilot
Mechanic

Stephen began flying in 2013 and has a BS in Aeronautics. He served 10 years in the Air Force as a Military Working Dog trainer before separating to pursue his passion and career in Aviation.

Contact Stephen at (808) 426-8277

 

 

Courtney Gibson Profile Pic

Courtney Gibson

Certified Flight Instructor
CFI, CFI-I, Multi-Engine Rated

Courtney has been flying since 2019. When she's not flying, she loves hanging out with her German Sheppard, Maverick. She has a Bachelor's in Mathematics and is working towards a career with the airlines.

Contact Courtney Gibson at
(508) 967-5113

 

Logan Kram CFI

Logan Kram

Certified Flight Instructor
CFI, CFI-I, MEI

Logan began flying in 2021, but has been involved in aviation for about 8 years. He was an air traffic controller for 7 years before deciding to fly, 4 of which were with the United States Marine Corps.
Contact Logan at (910) 474-0420

 

Kelly Parsons Flight School Manager

Kelly Parsons

Flight School Manager and
Army Credential Assistance Program Contact

Kelly has been around aviation her whole life. Her father, grandfather and son are all pilots. When not at the airport, she's homeschooling her 3 kids who are still at home (Jake just left for the airlines) or taking care of her horses.
Contact Kelly at (910) 474-0420

Interested In Flying With Us - Give Us A Call Today!

Speak with any of our Certificated Flight Instructors today and ask about an Introductory Flight!
Gray's Creek Airport:  7154 Butler Nursery Road, Fayetteville, NC 28306

You can also contact the Kelly Parsons, Flight School Manager, by text or phone
at (910) 257-5807 or call the Flight School Office at (910) 223-0567