Our 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 & Cindy Smith
Dale Smith is the man that started it all in 1984. He lives on the field with his wife Cindy and enjoys giving feedback on people's landings.
Cindy runs the FAA Testing Center located in the main office at Grays Creek Airport.
Scot Smith
Owner
Authorized Inspector, Mechanic
Flight Instructor, CFI
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. His primary responsibility is keeping all the planes in the fleet running safely.
Sullivan Jackson
Director of Operations,
A&P Mechanic
Sullivan worked on Apache helicopter avionics while in the US Army for six years. He is a Commercial pilot. In his free time, he enjoys flying his drones, fishing and spending time with his young son.
Kelly Parsons
Flight School Manager
Credential Program Manager
Kelly has been around aviation her whole life. Her father, grandfather & son are all pilots. When not at the airport, she's homeschooling her kids who are still at home.
Justice Brooks
Mechanic Intern
Justice's passion for aviation began very young when she would fly commercially several times a year. When not at work, she likes to watch movies and cuddle with her 2 cats. She is also a fiction writer earning her BA in Creative Writing & English
Josh Delaney
Flight Instructor
CFI, CFII, MEI
Josh has been flying since 2019. He is from Massachusetts and has been living in North Carolina for the past three years. When not flying and sharing his love of aviation, you can find Josh on the golf course or playing the piano.
Matthew Engelmohr
Flight Instructor
CFI
Matthew has been flying with us for the past 5 years. He started here before he could even drive. He has his Drone operator's license also and works for the State teaching Emergency personnel how to use drones.
Elayne Humphrey
Chief Pilot
Master CFI, CFII, MEI
Commercial Seaplane and Glider
Elayne has her Master's in Marketing Research, had her own website design business and homeschooled her kids. Teaching people to fly is her passion, she also enjoys traveling and being outdoors.
Kelly Parsons
Owner's Assistant
Grace has been around aviation her whole life and became a Private Pilot in August 2025. She recently got engaged to her best friend. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies. When not working, she enjoys doing anything active or outside.
Grayson Seethaler
Flight Instructor
CFI
Grayson earned his Bachelor's from UNC Pembroke and has been flying since he was 18 years old. His passion is aviation and he plans to pursue a career in aviation. When he's not flying you can find him spending time with his grandparents and brother.
Peter Smith
Flight Instructor
CFI, CFII, Multi-engine rated
Peter graduated from the University of Missouri in 2016, then pursued his passion for skiing in Vail Colorado for 6 years. He transitioned to Aviation obtaining his certifications in Texas. In his free time enjoys cooking, camping and spending time with his family.
Trey Underwood
Flight Instructor
CFI
Trey started flying at Gray's Creek with his brother as his CFI. He finished all his ratings here and enjoys working both as a CFI and maintenance intern. When he is not flying, he enjoys hunting, golfing and being in the outdoors.
Interested In Flying With Us - Give Us A Call Today!
Gray's Creek Airport: 7154 Butler Nursery Road, Fayetteville, NC 28306
Contact the Kelly Parsons, Flight School Manager, by text at (910) 257-5807
or call the Flight School Office at (910) 223-0567