Ghost Writer Air Shows

Ghost Writer Air Shows delivers a dynamic, multi-act performance that captivates audiences from start to finish. This is not just an aerobatic routine—it’s a full-spectrum aerial experience.

By day, the Ghost Writer roars across the sky with high-energy aerobatics—loops, rolls, and towering vertical climbs—showcasing the raw power of a classic warbird pushed to its limits. As the sun sets, the performance transforms into a breathtaking night show, illuminating the sky with thousands of LED lights and explosive pyrotechnics.

What sets Ghost Writer apart is its versatility. From thrilling aerobatics to immersive nighttime spectacles and even skywriting that turns the sky into a massive billboard, every performance is designed to engage, excite, and leave a lasting impression on the crowd.

Performer's Background

Ghost Writer Air Shows is piloted by Nathan K. Hammond, a highly experienced aviator with thousands of flight hours across a wide range of aircraft—from vintage biplanes to modern jets. His aviation journey began early, soloing at just 16 and earning his pilot’s license at 17.

Nathan’s airshow career began in 1998 flying the deHavilland Chipmunk, where he mastered both aerobatics and the specialized art of skywriting. In 2016, he took ownership of the aircraft now known as “Ghost Writer,” continuing its legacy while elevating it into one of the most unique acts on the airshow circuit.

Today, Ghost Writer performs across North America, combining decades of experience with a passion for entertaining audiences through precision flying and creative aerial displays.

Aircraft Features

The Ghost Writer aircraft is engineered to deliver both performance and spectacle, blending classic design with modern enhancements:

  • High-Performance Aerobatics: Capable of aggressive maneuvers including loops, rolls, and vertical climbs that push the aircraft to its limits.
  • Skywriting Capability: Designed to create up to 24-character messages in the sky—perfect for branding, fan engagement, and pre-show promotion.
  • Night Show System: Equipped with over 4,000 LED lights and more than 200 lbs of pyrotechnics, transforming the aircraft into a flying light show.
  • Customizable Display: Lighting and pyrotechnics can be tailored to match themes, patriotic tributes, or event branding.
Aircraft Background

The Ghost Writer is a highly modified 1956 de Havilland Chipmunk, originally designed as a primary trainer for the Royal Canadian Air Force. Over nearly 3,000 hours of meticulous work, it was transformed into a “Super Chipmunk”—a powerful aerobatic platform built for both performance and precision skywriting.

Today, the aircraft boasts:

  • Cruising speed of approximately 150 mph
  • Range exceeding 500 miles
  • Climb rate of 2,500 feet per minute
  • Service ceiling of 17,500 feet

Before becoming the Ghost Writer, the aircraft spent 25 years as the iconic “Pepsi SkyDancer,” making it one of the most recognizable and experienced skywriting aircraft in the industry.

Now, reimagined and refined, the GhostWriter continues its legacy—blending heritage aviation with modern showmanship to deliver one of the most unique performances in airshows today.

Photo Gallery
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