Final Approach

Northwest Airlines Flight 650, Tragedy and Triumph

De: Lyle Prouse

Narrado por: Thomas Block

This is the story of the first airline pilot ever arrested and sent to prison for flying under the influence. He was fired by his airline, stripped of his FAA licenses, tried, convicted, and sent to federal prison. This was a first. It had never occurred before.

Lyle Prouse came from a WWII housing project in Kansas and an alcoholic family where both parents died as a result of alcoholism. He rose through the ranks of the United States Marine Corps from private to captain, from an infantryman to a fighter pilot. He made his way to the pinnacle of commercial aviation, airline captain, and then lost it all.

Today he is a recovering alcoholic with over 26 years sobriety. This story describes his rise from the ashes of complete destruction from which he was never to fly again. It is full of miracles which defy all manner of odds. In a long and arduous journey, he eventually regained his FAA licenses. He never fought his termination; he considered it fair and appropriate. Miraculously, after nearly four years, the President/CEO of his airline personally reinstated him to full flight status in spite of all the adverse publicity and embarrassment. In effect, the President/CEO gambled his own career by taking such a risk on a convicted felon and publicly acknowledged alcoholic pilot. In another stunning event, the judge who tried, sentenced, and sent him to prison watched his journey and reappeared eight years after the trial. He became the driving force behind a Presidential pardon although he'd never supported a petition for pardon in all his years on the bench. Lyle retired honorably as a 747 captain for the airline he'd so horribly embarrassed and disgraced. He lives with his wife of 53 years and has five grandchildren. He continues to work with all the major airlines in their alcohol programs.

©2016 Norman Lyle Prouse (P)2016 Norman Lyle Prouse

Awesome story!

We crewed through it. A poignant story of mistakes and redemption. Sad that he original publisher dropped publishing it because they wanted to change parts of his story.

Definitely check this out

Very cool story of an aviator who unknowingly suffered from a disease that was ruining his life. Inspiring story that chronicles the story of glory lost and found. Highly recommended!

A Deep, Inspiring Memoir

Would you consider the audio edition of Final Approach to be better than the print version?

I actually read the first half, and then listened to the second half because the audio version was released. I'm a huge fan of audiobooks and that is my preferred method to consume stories.

What other book might you compare Final Approach to and why?

There is another book about the the same flight incident written by another crew member. Capt Prouse does't name names when referring to that other pilot, which makes this this version of events seem more objective.

What about Thomas Block’s performance did you like?

I'm already a fan of Thomas Block's audio performances. This is another fine production.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This is a story of a man who served our country fighting in Vietnam, commanded a commercial airliner, and then lost his battle with alcoholism before he even realized he was fighting it. Worse than the prison, he was publicly ridiculed even to the extent of becoming Jay Leno's regular punchline. Never did Captain Prouse blame others for his actions. He absorbed all his punishment with acceptance and started his life over from scratch--nearly penniless, a felony conviction on his record, prison time served, and his pilot career erased. This is the story of how he found a way to live with alcoholism (beating it everyday), and actually earn all of his pilot licenses back on-by-one. Against expectations, he eventually returned to airline flying, paving the way for other pilots to beat their struggles with alcohol addiction.

Any additional comments?

It's tough to imagine the public humiliation Capt Prouse endured, and still he found the will to overcome his greatest mistake and find redemption in the wary public's eyes. Even the judge who convicted him, and eventually the President of the United States, welcomed him back as a productive member of society, and also as an inspiration. This is a worthy read.

Deeply moving and inspirational story

It is hard to find words to reflect back the gift that arrives in the shape of Captain Prouse’s words or the sound waves of the audible production. The magnitude of his bottom; the integrity and miracles of his recovery; and the positive ripple effect of the author’s personal story of integration are as life-changing as any story I have had the privilege and pleasure of hearing. Blue skies all around!!!

True American Airline Legend

Narrator, Captain Tom Block does a remarkable job telling Captain Lyle Prouse's incredible story. A must listen for all airline professional's as our industry continues to be plagued with regular incidents of on the job substance abuse. As an airline pilot, I heard much about the NW Captain & crew who closed the bar in Fargo, most of it false. To you Lyle, thank you for taking full responsibility for your actions, you are a man who rose from the ashes to become a legend and hero to many who heard your tragic story. Thank you for having the strength to snap back proving to many airline pilots accept responsibility, take pride in their profession and treasure their love of flying.
PM Van Sickle
Maj Gen, USAF (Ret)
Pilot, United Airlines