They Both Tested Positive for Alcohol

We don't know how serious the charges, if any, may become, because the Finns have not released the actual figures they obtained from the alcohol tests of both pilots of a Lufthansa jet in December.

The investigation is scheduled to end this week; at that time, decisions regarding the pilots' careers and possible criminal charges will be be made. For now, all we know is that the two men, both German, aroused suspicion in the cabin crew, and that they were therefore pulled from the flight in Helsinki, Finland, and replaced before takeoff.

We are also told that both did indeed test positive -- but how positive has not been disclosed. We also learned that both have left Lufthansa, and are "not eligible for re-hire." The airline says they left of their own volition.

Lufthansa, like most airlines, has a 12-hour rule, "from bottle to throttle," even though the regulations call for just eight.

Under Finnish law, they could face fines, and/or prison terms of up to two years.

FMI: www.lufthansa.com