Captain Cooper wears on his jacket right sleeve the patch of The Fighting 31. The "Tomcatters," call sign Felix, are the Navy's second oldest fighter squadron operating today; active since 01 July 1935.
Quantum Leap has several references to producer Donald P. Bellisario's previous series, Tales of the Gold Monkey (1982), including a character named "Gushie." "Ghost Ship" featured Captain Cooper, who was the main character in "Tales of the Gold Monkey."
This is the only episode to take place almost completely on an airplane.
The Grumman Goose G21A used in the exterior shots is the same "Cutter's Goose" featured in Tales of the Gold Monkey. Built in 1937.
Per the title a ghost ship is one found drifting without a crew due to natural or unnatural causes.