Gaylan Crumley
U.S. Air Force Pilot, Flight Instructor and Check Pilot,
FAA Examiner
Gaylan Grumley was first introduced to flying at the age of four, but flying did not become a
regular part of his life until he graduated from Baylor University and entered pilot training in
1971 . He was subsequently assigned to the 95th Fighter lnterceptor Squadron at Dover Air
Force Base. Gaylan's military career provided him the opportunity to serve as Flight
Commander, Oierations Officer, Squadron Commander and Operations Group Commander-
He also served as a NORAD alert pilot and as a flight instructor and check pilot for many of the
aircraft he flew, including the F-16, F-4 F-106, F-101 , T-33, T-38 and T-37. During his career
with the Air Defense Command, Gaylan was classified "Worldwide Operational Ready" which
meant he could be deployed at a moment's notice. As the cold war ended, the Air Defense
Command's mission changed to drug interdiction. Gaylan was one of the first pilots to fly the _F-
16 at night using only a glow stick in the cockpit and night vision goggles to fly undetected off
the wings of aircraft smuggling drugs into the United States.
After nine years of active service with the Air Force, Gaylan began a civilian career with People
Express and Continental Airlines while simultaneously serving with the Air National Guard. He
flew commercially for over 26 years with the airlines and amassed another 16,000 commercial
flight hours before retiring as Captain in 2005. Gaylan retired from the Air Force as a
Lieutenant Colonel with 28 years of military service and 5200 hours of military flight time.
After retiring from the airlines, Gaylan continued his aviation career by providing classro_om and
simulator inltruction in the Gulfstream V, 550, and 450. He was also designated as an FAA
examiner. ln addition to his many military and civilian awards and decorations, Gaylan was
selected as "Best of the Best" instructor representing Wilmington, Delaware's Flight Safety
lnternational at the company's annual awards ceremony in 2008. He also represented
Delaware as a judge for the lnternational Organization of Women Pilots, The Ninety-Nines,
selecting qualified candidates for the Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship.
Gaylan Crumley reflects great credit upon himself and the First State with his civilian and
military accom[lishmentJduring his very noteworthy career in Aviation and is a well-deserved
lnductee into the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame 'for 2019.
