For Capt. Jeremy Hansen, flying is life and life is good.

Hansen is a Canadian Forces fighter pilot with the 4 Wing unit based out of C.F.B. Cold Lake in Alberta.

Capt. Jeremy Hansen of the 4 Wing unit at C.F.B. Cold Lake, Alta., with his CF-18 Hornet from the 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron. Hansen was in Inuvik last week flying patrols for NORAD. Hansen said his job is enjoyable and rewarding. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

He and his team were in Inuvik last week flying missions for North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD).

"We're here for the standard North American air defence requirements," said Hansen.

Hansen flies a CF-18 Hornet from the 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron, which is on standby 24/7 to respond to airspace threats to North America. The CF-18 is a single pilot aircraft, but Hansen said that there are two-seaters that are used in training exercises.

Hansen said that the CF-18 is a multi-use aircraft.

"You can use it for air to ground attacks, which means we can deploy bombs on targets on the ground," he said.

"More importantly, we can provide air support for troops on foot."

Hansen added that the CF-18 Hornet is also useful in air-to-air attacking.

"We have long range missiles, the CF-18 has the capabilities for radar and heat-seeking missiles against air targets," said Hansen.

He said he didn't need any previous flight training before his career in the Canadian Forces.

"We supply all necessary training needed to fly these planes," said Hansen.

"If a person is interested and motivated, it's only a matter of years before you're ready."

"If you pass the continuing steps to becoming a fighter pilot, they will give you everything you need."

Hansen said that after two to three years of training, you could be flying a CF-18.

This marks the second time that Hansen has been to Inuvik.

"I enjoy my time here, but haven't had much time to go sight seeing," said Hansen.

"The last time I was here, I saw a lot of the landscape. It shows how beautiful our country is."

Hansen said there were also military Hercules aircraft in the area in addition to the CF-18s.

"One of them is designated only for re-fueling the CF-18s," said Hansen.

Re-fueling in the air means the fighter planes can stay airborne, explained Hansen.

"There is a hydraulic arm that extends to the Hercules so the plane can refuel without landing," said Hansen.

"It makes it easier to fly long distances."

Hansen said the flying altitude of the CF-18 varies from 40,000 feet to low levels to avoid enemy radar.

"Typically, we're flying in the middle of that range," he said.