The Performer

GhostWriter Airshows delivers one of the most versatile and visually dynamic performances on today’s airshow circuit—a rare three‑act experience flown with a single aircraft. Piloted by veteran aviator Nathan K. Hammond, GhostWriter seamlessly blends daytime aerobatics, precision skywriting, and an electrifying night airshow filled with lights and pyrotechnics, engaging audiences from the moment gates open until long after sunset.

Hammond’s aviation roots trace back to Rhinebeck, New York, where exposure to the historic aircraft and performances at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome sparked a lifelong passion for flight. He soloed at 16, earned his pilot certificate at 17, and has since accumulated more than 7,000 flight hours across an extraordinary range of aircraft—from 1917 Curtiss Jennys and classic warbirds to modern turboprops and jets.

His professional airshow career began in 1998, when he joined SkyDancer Airshows and mastered the highly specialized discipline of skywriting—an art form practiced by only a handful of pilots worldwide. In 2016, Hammond acquired the iconic aircraft formerly known as the Pepsi SkyDancer, ushering in the next chapter of its legacy under the name GhostWriter.

The Aircraft: The GhostWriter Super Chipmunk

At the heart of the act is a meticulously transformed 1956 de Havilland DHC‑1 Chipmunk, originally built as a primary trainer for the Royal Canadian Air Force. Through nearly 3,000 man‑hours of engineering and refinement, the aircraft has been converted into one of the finest examples of a “Super Chipmunk” flying today.

Now powered by a high‑output engine and optimized for aerobatic performance, GhostWriter features:

• Cruise speeds near 150 mph

• Climb rates of approximately 2,500 feet per minute

• Operating ceilings around 17,500 feet

• Specialized systems for aerobatic smoke, skywriting, LED lighting, and pyrotechnics

The aircraft’s recognizable lineage adds historical gravity to the performance, while its modern enhancements allow it to deliver energy, sound, and spectacle well beyond what audiences expect from a classic trainer design.

The Three‑Act Experience

Daytime Aerobatics
GhostWriter provides a high‑energy aerobatic display featuring sweeping loops, snap rolls, and strong vertical lines flown with precision and smooth control. It’s a bold, fast‑paced routine that immediately sets the tone for the entire event, demonstrating just how capable a fully optimized Super Chipmunk can be.

Skywriting
Near and far catch one of GhostWriter’s most distinctive elements: live skywriting. Using onboard systems designed specifically for the task, Hammond will turn the sky above Carson Valley into his canvas.

Night Show with Pyrotechnics
As part of our Friday night performance, GhostWriter is outfitted with more than 4,000 programmable LED lights and over 200 pounds of onboard pyrotechnics, producing a compact yet intensely immersive night show. With lighting and fire effects, the performance reflect the passion of aviation, Carson Valley and the American pride—culminating in a dramatic fusion of motion, light, sound, and fire.