Flight Lieutenant A. J. M. (Arthur) Hales

Royal Canadian Air Force Pilot & Arctic Aviator

Arthur Hales had a lifelong love of flying. When the war was raging in Europe, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and earned his wings on May 15, 1944, becoming a Sergeant Pilot (Special Group). He completed Commando training at Trois-Rivières, Quebec, where he learned field tactics, forced marches, cliff climbing, and weapons training before being sent overseas for advanced air instruction in Gloucester, England.

After his discharge from the RCAF, Arthur pursued his dream of flight in civilian life. He first flew for Hollinger Mines, transporting men and equipment to remote construction sites during the building of the railway from Knob Lake to Sept-Îles.

In the 1950s, during the Cold War, Arthur joined the construction and support efforts of the DEW Line (Distant Early Warning Line)—a radar defence network built across the Arctic from Alaska to Greenland. Flying out of Frobisher Bay and Hall Beach, he became an expert Arctic pilot, known for safely navigating through whiteouts, icy runways, and challenging conditions.

When his DEW Line service ended, Arthur joined Nordair, where he spent 27 years and rose to the position of Chief Pilot, holding number-one seniority until his retirement at age 60.

Throughout his life, Arthur’s dedication to flight never wavered—he truly loved his flying career.

Submitted by family