Pilot Nate Hammond is the skilled aviator behind the renowned GhostWriter. He became an aviation enthusiast at an early age, growing up in Rhinebeck, New York, where the airplanes and airshow events at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome inspired him. Soloing an aircraft at just 16 years old and earning his pilot’s license at 17, Nate has accumulated over 8,000 hours of flight time in various aircraft types, from vintage 1917 Curtiss Jennys to modern Cessna Citations.

GhostWriter’s history dates back to its initial design in 1956 as a pilot training aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force. Over the years, it has undergone significant modifications to become an airshow performer in aerobatics and skywriting. With a dedicated team investing nearly 3,000 man-hours over two years, GhostWriter now boasts a cruising speed of 150 mph and a range of over 500 miles. Its climbing prowess reaches 2,500 feet per minute with an impressive ceiling of 17,500 feet.

Pilot Nate Hammond joined SkyDancer Airshows, and since taking the controls of the GhostWriter in 2016, he has captivated audiences with his mastery of stunt flying and skywriting techniques. Equipped with a commercial pilot rating and an Airframe and Power Plant Mechanics License, he brings deep knowledge of flight safety techniques and a passion for aerial acrobatics to every performance.

A Performance to Remember

GhostWriter is a three-act aerobatic pilot performance. It starts with a 350 hp, 200 mph flight that includes smoke trails, loops, rolls, and vertical climbs, showing what this modified 1950s-era trainer can do in the sky.

At night, the aircraft is fitted with 4,000 LED lights and over 200 pounds of pyrotechnics for a choreographed light show. Each performance is tailored to the event and draws interest from across the aviation community, highlighting both the aircraft’s range and the pilot’s skill.