The future is electric. Well, at least that's one prediction for the airline industry. Airplanes of the future may have all electric engines run by faster and more advanced computer microprocessors. Not too far into the future we may also see some type of pilotless airplanes that communicate with ground crews through laser technology and satellite systems.

The field of avionics - the communication systems on aircraft - is quickly moving to the point where all information is simultaneously relayed to a pilot's cockpit. The exact location of a rain shower, the flow of air traffic, and precise navigation tools will be all superimposed on one single screen.

Then there will be new and improved materials for aircraft construction and the possible incorporation of high-tech parachutes as safety mechanisms. Sound interesting? By many accounts the airline industry has a strong future for technological advances and employment opportunities. The number of people employed in this field fluctuates but is predicted to grow steadily over the next 20 years. So why not soar into a career in airlines? Here is some information to get you started:

Education/Training

The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) offers a two-year Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Technology (AMT) program. The entrance requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent with Math 30 or 33 and English 30 or 33 or successful completion of SAIT's pre-career program.

The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) offers a one-year Aircraft Skin and Structure Repair program. Entrance requirements include completion of Grade 11 with English 20 or 23, Math 20 or 23 and a Grade 11 science course, Physics preferred.

SAIT offers a one-year Aircraft Structures Technician (ACST) program. Entrance requirements include a high school diploma with Grade 12 Math and English or completion of SAIT's pre-career program.

NAIT offers a two-year Avionics Engineering Technology diploma program. The entrance requirement is a high school diploma with English 30 or 33, Math 30 (or 60% in Math 33) and one of the following: Physics 30, Science 30 or Chemistry 30 (Physics 30 recommended).

SAIT offers a two-year Avionics Technology diploma program. The entrance requirement is a high school diploma with English 33 and Math 33, or equivalent (or successful completion of the pre-careers program at SAIT).

Some general qualifications include:
-high school diploma; a university degree, a college or a technical diploma is a definite advantage;
-must pass the annual Transport Canada physical exam;

A sample of Alberta training programs (age requirements and costs of programs will vary) include:

Bar XH Air Inc. in association with Medicine Hat College. Entrance requirements are Math 30 (Math 31 preferred), Physics 30 and English 30, a Transport Canada approved medical and a private pilot's licence.

Cooking Lake Aviation Academy Inc. in Sherwood Park. The entrance requirements are a minimum of 17 years of age with a valid Canadian private pilot's licence, category 1 aviation medical for commercial licence and category 3 for private licence, plus the ability to meet all Transport Canada requirements. A minimum of 18 years of age is required to take the commercial pilot's licence test.

Mount Royal College in Calgary offers this training through a two-year aviation diploma. Entrance requirements are a high school diploma or equivalent (or mature student status) with English 30 and Math 30, a Transport Canada approved medical, a private pilot's licence and pre-testing and an interview.

The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton. Entrance requirements are Math 30, English 30 (or equivalent) and one of Physics 30, Chemistry 30 or Science 30. All candidates are advised to have a Transport Canada approved medical and a valid private pilot's licence.

Sky Wings Aviation Academy in Penhold. Entrance requirements are a high school diploma with English 30 or 33, Math 30 (Math 31 recommended) and a Transport Canada approved medical. Private pilot's licence training is included in the program but a telephone interview is required to assess the applicant's standing in the program.

• Ramp/station attendants are also typically trained on-the-job.

• For those of high school age, James Fowler High School offers an aviation technology school-to-work program.

Businesses/Associations

• Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council
• Transport Canada
• Calgary Flying Club
• Aero Space Museum
• Canadian Air Traffic Control Association
• Air Canada
• West Jet
• Air Line Pilots Association
• Venture Helicopters
• Sunwest Home Aviation
• Air Canada Jazz

Job Boards

• Transport Canada
• Calgary International Airport
• Air Canada
• AvCanada
• West Jet
• National Job Bank

Other Media

The following three books have career-related information on the airline industry. All can be found in the Calgary Youth Employment Centre resource library.

• Careers for Travel Buffs & Other Restless Types delivers information on life as a pilot and a flight attendant.

• Opportunities in Transportation Careers provides details on many different aspects of the airlines including ramp agents, mechanics, flight attendants and pilots, and also looks at more general positions such as sales, public relations and purchasing.

• Careers Without College - Travel has information on flight attendants, reservation agents and customer service agents.