Some of the best mechanics we have work only two days a week.

On Friday and Sunday nights, Lufthansa jets on Far East routes make a 40-minute stop in Kuwait.

This is the man who gives the final OK for them to take off again.

What makes this man OK?

First, a 3½ year apprenticeship, plus two more years in a Lufthansa training program. Then courses in maintaining radar, jet engines, and hydraulics. Then two years just on Boeing 707s (including school at the factory in America). Finally, four more years experience at our bases in Hong Kong and Madrid.

He has held three aircraft mechanic licenses and he is there because we need his twelve years experience for 80 minutes a week.

We know Hans-Jürgen Gerth uses company time to play a guitar, read, go swimming and fishing, and that he’s become one of the better billiard players on the Arabian Gulf.

That’s OK.