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Final Approach - Northwest Airlines Flight 650, Tragedy and Triumph
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...then lost it all. Today he is a recovering alcoholic with nearly twenty-two 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 nearly forty-nine years and has five grandchildren. He continues to work with all the major airlines in their alcohol programs. He is also active in his Native American community, and he provides hope to those struggling with the disease of alcoholism, no matter who they are or where they are.
294 pages, Paperback
First published November 29, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 19, 2023
This book was written by a Northwest Airlines pilot who went to jail for flying while intoxicated. It's a story of redemption, and inspiring because it demonstrates the value of understanding that you can't change the past; you can only change what you do in the future. Also, there are some things that are just beyond your control. Of course it is a huge mistake to fly a plane under the influence of alcohol, but also... people are human, people make mistakes, and we just have to forgive them and move on.
January 12, 2013
I think this is a self-published book. It's definitely written by "a guy", rather than an author. The story is an inspirational one, with a happy ending. Maybe the guy and his story deserves 5 stars. But this book is not compelling. The writing style is flat as a pancake. This makes Final Approach a tough read.
Please, if this sounds snarky, I don't mean it to be. The author is pretty breathless about his tough times, and honestly, it got a little tiring. I get it... losing your pilot's gig, being an alcoholic, and going to jail... not good. That said, I've never heard of a human being, real or fictional, who got more support from his family and friends. Also, the guy's got a 5-star wife who stood by him every step of the way; she sounds incredible. You know, it's probably more that he wrote the book himself that made it come out a little more dramatic and self-pitying than he meant it to be. I'll give the guy the benefit of the doubt, if you won't call me a Mr. Snark-a-lot. He he.
Here's the author's website: www.lyleprouse.com.
peace... yow, bill
Please, if this sounds snarky, I don't mean it to be. The author is pretty breathless about his tough times, and honestly, it got a little tiring. I get it... losing your pilot's gig, being an alcoholic, and going to jail... not good. That said, I've never heard of a human being, real or fictional, who got more support from his family and friends. Also, the guy's got a 5-star wife who stood by him every step of the way; she sounds incredible. You know, it's probably more that he wrote the book himself that made it come out a little more dramatic and self-pitying than he meant it to be. I'll give the guy the benefit of the doubt, if you won't call me a Mr. Snark-a-lot. He he.
Here's the author's website: www.lyleprouse.com.
peace... yow, bill
June 10, 2012
I met Lyle during Sunday morning breakfast this past June. Face to face, I found him to be warm, humble, and down to earth. Hearing him tell his story the night before was like poking a hole in a paper with a needle and looking through it. This book telling the whole story and so much more. It has inspired me to look at my own recovery and ask myself how much more I could be doing for others.
April 8, 2015
My thoughts and feelings about this book.
Outstanding story about living life on life's terms,acceptance, gratitude and a higher power. My name is Rick,I am an alcoholic.
Outstanding story about living life on life's terms,acceptance, gratitude and a higher power. My name is Rick,I am an alcoholic.
January 3, 2013
My sincere apologies for a less than five star rating for this book. I was expecting more details of the flight, given the cover and the indication of a final approach. Had a read other reviews more carefully, I would have surmized that it is almost entirely devoted to the life of a recovering alcoholic. The fact that he was an airline pilot is ancillary. I do applaud Mr. Prouse on his long battle back from the bottom, however we must keep in mind that this is a self-inflicted disease. Nobody forced him to purchase or consume alcohol. One wonders how many times other pilots have flown while intoxicated and were never caught. Given the considerable inconvenience that we as passengers are subjected to when travelling by air today (mostly the security checks), I wonder if it might be prudent to require the flight crew to undergo a breathalizer test prior to entering to cockpit?
August 14, 2012
From out of the darkness and into the light ... this is one man's story of the challenges and battle he waged to right a horrible wrong, face the adversity with dignity and strength, and to seek the acceptance and redemption that comes when in recovery.
Final Approach is author Lyle Prouse's memoir, a true story of how he became the first airline pilot ever to be arrested and convicted for flying a commercial airplane while intoxicated. It is the story of how he was raised in an alcoholic family, and his life-long battle with alcoholism. It is the story of his fall from grace: from his service in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War to his position of Captain flying a Northwest Airlines Boeing 727. It is also his story of how he endured the guilt, humiliation and adversity from the tragic mistake that he made, the power of his strength and conviction while incarcerated in a federal prison; and ultimately the courage and redemption to help others in need, to reclaim his pilot certifications and to receive a Presidential Pardon for the crime. This is the powerfully compelling story of how one man overcame the odds to reclaim his life and bring to light the true story from the fateful flight that forever would change his life.
Captain Prouse humbly wrote his story in a straight forward and honest manner. In his inspiring memoir, he takes the reader along on a riveting retelling of his life history: the good, the bad and ultimately his well deserved redemption. This is a story that will have you feeling the full range of emotions: you will laugh, cry, be angered, feel compassion and applaud the ability that this special man had within himself to rise above the affliction of alcoholism and seek the light of recovery and redemption for past mistakes, to selflessly share this story with everyone.
Final Approach is an amazing memoir that is a must read, it is a story that will resonate with you long after the last words have been read. This inspirational story is thought provoking and provides hope for others that are afflicted by this horrible disease. This memoir will touch your heart, it will reveal the true ability of the human spirit, and it will provide humanity with education, understanding and compassion towards others.
Captain Prouse, I salute your perseverance, courage, and ability to triumph in your recovery. Your selfless dedication to help others is honorable, and as a daughter of a retired Marine who also battled alcoholism, I was taught to always recognize a Marine ... Semper Fi!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Final Approach is author Lyle Prouse's memoir, a true story of how he became the first airline pilot ever to be arrested and convicted for flying a commercial airplane while intoxicated. It is the story of how he was raised in an alcoholic family, and his life-long battle with alcoholism. It is the story of his fall from grace: from his service in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War to his position of Captain flying a Northwest Airlines Boeing 727. It is also his story of how he endured the guilt, humiliation and adversity from the tragic mistake that he made, the power of his strength and conviction while incarcerated in a federal prison; and ultimately the courage and redemption to help others in need, to reclaim his pilot certifications and to receive a Presidential Pardon for the crime. This is the powerfully compelling story of how one man overcame the odds to reclaim his life and bring to light the true story from the fateful flight that forever would change his life.
Captain Prouse humbly wrote his story in a straight forward and honest manner. In his inspiring memoir, he takes the reader along on a riveting retelling of his life history: the good, the bad and ultimately his well deserved redemption. This is a story that will have you feeling the full range of emotions: you will laugh, cry, be angered, feel compassion and applaud the ability that this special man had within himself to rise above the affliction of alcoholism and seek the light of recovery and redemption for past mistakes, to selflessly share this story with everyone.
Final Approach is an amazing memoir that is a must read, it is a story that will resonate with you long after the last words have been read. This inspirational story is thought provoking and provides hope for others that are afflicted by this horrible disease. This memoir will touch your heart, it will reveal the true ability of the human spirit, and it will provide humanity with education, understanding and compassion towards others.
Captain Prouse, I salute your perseverance, courage, and ability to triumph in your recovery. Your selfless dedication to help others is honorable, and as a daughter of a retired Marine who also battled alcoholism, I was taught to always recognize a Marine ... Semper Fi!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
April 21, 2016
Amazing man, amazing story!
From a difficult childhood, this man with Native American roots, joins the Marines, and sets his sights on becoming a pilot, and he does so, first, as an A4 Skyhawk fighter pilot for the Marine Corps (flying combat sorties out of Chu Lai , RVN) and next (as he's progressed through the ranks) as a 747 Captain for Northwest Airlines ... and from this lofty position, the author and subject of this amazing book finds himself in a life-altering situation that quickly undoes all that he's worked so hard to accomplish. He is sentenced to prison, marking the low-point in his life, and thus begins his struggle to climb out of the hole he's put himself in, and to transform himself back into the position of respectability that he he'd once earned/enjoyed. This man's remarkable story is a testament to belief in oneself, hard work, and a never-give-up attitude, and is must-read for anyone with an alcohol (or drug, gambling, etc.) addiction.
From a difficult childhood, this man with Native American roots, joins the Marines, and sets his sights on becoming a pilot, and he does so, first, as an A4 Skyhawk fighter pilot for the Marine Corps (flying combat sorties out of Chu Lai , RVN) and next (as he's progressed through the ranks) as a 747 Captain for Northwest Airlines ... and from this lofty position, the author and subject of this amazing book finds himself in a life-altering situation that quickly undoes all that he's worked so hard to accomplish. He is sentenced to prison, marking the low-point in his life, and thus begins his struggle to climb out of the hole he's put himself in, and to transform himself back into the position of respectability that he he'd once earned/enjoyed. This man's remarkable story is a testament to belief in oneself, hard work, and a never-give-up attitude, and is must-read for anyone with an alcohol (or drug, gambling, etc.) addiction.
September 2, 2015
Wow.This is a book I couldn't put down without an impatient need to pick it up again and continue reading. Lyle Prouse was an airline pilot who was arrested in 1990 for flying while drunk. The humiliation he felt as he hit bottom and entered treatment for his alcoholism, and later prison, comes through in his words. The book is exceptionally well-written. His honesty, courage, and determination to recover are presented clearly and convincingly as he tells his story. I recommend this book to everyone -- we all can learn from the lessons Prouse learned and applied as he struggled to regain his life and his dignity.
November 22, 2016
Fantastic
The most gripping story I've read in a long time. I couldn't stop reading. Often could not suppress choking up.
The most gripping story I've read in a long time. I couldn't stop reading. Often could not suppress choking up.
May 13, 2017
I downloaded this book from Kindle and read it on my tablet on a recent trip to the States. At first glance it may look like another journalist's account of an airline disaster... not so. The Flt 650 of the title was NWA (now part of Delta) from Fargo, North Dakota to Minneapolis, Minnesota on 8 March 1990, and it was conducted without drama. Except that the captain was arrested afterwards.
These words from the author's website best describe this saga; "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...then lost it all.
Today he is a recovering alcoholic with nearly twenty-two 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 despite 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. Prouse retired honorably as a 747 captain for the airline he'd embarrassed and disgraced. He is married and has five grandchildren. He continues to work with all the major airlines in their alcohol programs. He is also active in his Native American community, and he provides hope to those struggling with the disease of alcoholism, no matter who they are or where they are."
The author is part-Comanche and remains active in American aboriginal affairs. He still flies light aircraft and including charity flights when he can (Angel Flights and Animal Rescue Flights). And to his credit he does not seek to confuse a Presidential Pardon with an acquittal. I found this account to be an emotional but fulfilling read. Prouse speaks candidly of his blunder and the personal journey of redemption that followed. A tearfully good read!
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather, the ability to continue in the face of it." Lyle Prouse, Nov 2011.
These words from the author's website best describe this saga; "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...then lost it all.
Today he is a recovering alcoholic with nearly twenty-two 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 despite 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. Prouse retired honorably as a 747 captain for the airline he'd embarrassed and disgraced. He is married and has five grandchildren. He continues to work with all the major airlines in their alcohol programs. He is also active in his Native American community, and he provides hope to those struggling with the disease of alcoholism, no matter who they are or where they are."
The author is part-Comanche and remains active in American aboriginal affairs. He still flies light aircraft and including charity flights when he can (Angel Flights and Animal Rescue Flights). And to his credit he does not seek to confuse a Presidential Pardon with an acquittal. I found this account to be an emotional but fulfilling read. Prouse speaks candidly of his blunder and the personal journey of redemption that followed. A tearfully good read!
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather, the ability to continue in the face of it." Lyle Prouse, Nov 2011.
January 14, 2025
A Triumph Personally AND Professionally!
I have to say I did NOT want this book to come to an end! It not only is "THAT good," but there is a lot of wisdom within its pages and "lessons" to be learned (if one chooses) that can change a person on a profound level. I've written many, many reviews and can tell you I've never said that about a book! The "lessons" are not lectures and the author/"teacher" is probably not someone you would think you could admire or learn from. But I do admire him and think I have learned a few things despite not (thankfully) being in the position he was in.
You see, Lyle Prouse was a husband and father, a Marine, an intelligent man. He became an airline captain and had enjoyed a great career. He appeared successful by most any measure. But Lyle Prouse became an alcoholic and didn't really know it. He managed to follow his airline's rules that to work, one had to have had no alcohol whatsoever for at least 12 hours. Until that one fateful flight where he went to join several co-workers for dinner and a drink. Only he and a few others didn't stop. That was bad enough. What made it MUCH worse was when he, as the acting Captain got onboard and flew the plane back to their destination. Fortunately, there was no plane crash. But waiting at the end of that flight was the beginning of another journey: an arrest and conviction as a felon, a stay in a treatment facility, a willingness to accept he is an alcoholic (his acceptance of that was remarkable), total loss of all credentials and ability to fly, fired from his job and time in prison etc.
I will not spoil what he does next once he has done his time and paid his debt to society despite many challenges. But I CAN say it is worth reading to find out!
This man is a new personal hero of mine though I've never met him. He is humble, grateful, intelligent, and he and his wife and family are good people. He is retired now -- but it is well earned!
I have to say I did NOT want this book to come to an end! It not only is "THAT good," but there is a lot of wisdom within its pages and "lessons" to be learned (if one chooses) that can change a person on a profound level. I've written many, many reviews and can tell you I've never said that about a book! The "lessons" are not lectures and the author/"teacher" is probably not someone you would think you could admire or learn from. But I do admire him and think I have learned a few things despite not (thankfully) being in the position he was in.
You see, Lyle Prouse was a husband and father, a Marine, an intelligent man. He became an airline captain and had enjoyed a great career. He appeared successful by most any measure. But Lyle Prouse became an alcoholic and didn't really know it. He managed to follow his airline's rules that to work, one had to have had no alcohol whatsoever for at least 12 hours. Until that one fateful flight where he went to join several co-workers for dinner and a drink. Only he and a few others didn't stop. That was bad enough. What made it MUCH worse was when he, as the acting Captain got onboard and flew the plane back to their destination. Fortunately, there was no plane crash. But waiting at the end of that flight was the beginning of another journey: an arrest and conviction as a felon, a stay in a treatment facility, a willingness to accept he is an alcoholic (his acceptance of that was remarkable), total loss of all credentials and ability to fly, fired from his job and time in prison etc.
I will not spoil what he does next once he has done his time and paid his debt to society despite many challenges. But I CAN say it is worth reading to find out!
This man is a new personal hero of mine though I've never met him. He is humble, grateful, intelligent, and he and his wife and family are good people. He is retired now -- but it is well earned!
June 23, 2021
Walk A Mile In Their Shoes
I remember hearing about the Northwest pilots flying drunk on the news. I thought to myself how could those idiots have done something so stupid?! Recently I noticed two books available from two of the pilots involved and decided to read Captain Prouse's and I'm glad I did. The book is well written and shows the importance of not jumping to conclusions but rather hearing both sides of the story. What transpired was stupid but they shouldn't be called idiots, there was alot that led up to that moment and I wouldn't hesitate to board a 747 flown by Captain Prouse if he was still flying at Northwest.
I remember hearing about the Northwest pilots flying drunk on the news. I thought to myself how could those idiots have done something so stupid?! Recently I noticed two books available from two of the pilots involved and decided to read Captain Prouse's and I'm glad I did. The book is well written and shows the importance of not jumping to conclusions but rather hearing both sides of the story. What transpired was stupid but they shouldn't be called idiots, there was alot that led up to that moment and I wouldn't hesitate to board a 747 flown by Captain Prouse if he was still flying at Northwest.
October 19, 2018
From the top to the bottom and back again
This was a great story of redemption. It’s a story of how not to take things for granted and how to never give up on your dreams even though the road may be paved with struggles, set backs and disappointments. I remembered the story of the Northwest airlines flight crew that was arrested for flying drunk but I never knew the complete story. Now I do.
This was a great story of redemption. It’s a story of how not to take things for granted and how to never give up on your dreams even though the road may be paved with struggles, set backs and disappointments. I remembered the story of the Northwest airlines flight crew that was arrested for flying drunk but I never knew the complete story. Now I do.
February 11, 2020
This is an incredible story. Wow. I really hate to give it 3 stars but I strive for honesty in all my affairs so here we are. I had a tough time getting through this one, not because it wasn’t an inspiring story with a happy ending, but because it was a bit dry for my taste. I felt there were some unnecessary details and then not enough in other places. That being said, this is an amazing man and his story will stay with me forever.
June 9, 2023
Amazing story of a pilots life and journey through life that gives insight into flying, war, relationships, our prison system, and a lifelong battle with alcoholism. His ability to adapt and overcome challenges is wonderfully illustrated through his use of the pen. A fantastic read that is so much more than a book about an alcoholic pilot.
March 11, 2023
A story of recovery
What a well written account of alcoholism adversity and recovery. A true testament to the power of God and the miracles that can happen in life when one becomes humble and trusts God!
What a well written account of alcoholism adversity and recovery. A true testament to the power of God and the miracles that can happen in life when one becomes humble and trusts God!
December 9, 2024
A great book for the A.A. group. It was a mighty journey for a broken human.
I was looking for more of a narrative of "the flight" but this is much more about the recovery. Not for me, especially since it is clear from the beginning that he is not a kind person
I was looking for more of a narrative of "the flight" but this is much more about the recovery. Not for me, especially since it is clear from the beginning that he is not a kind person
October 4, 2017
I read this for book club. Not the most literary of writing but definitely a compelling story. The hard work and diligence was inspiring.
February 11, 2018
Triumph over alcoholism.
This story of a good man suffering from the ravages of alcohol is very detailed and well written. Highly recommended.
This story of a good man suffering from the ravages of alcohol is very detailed and well written. Highly recommended.
May 26, 2023
Recommended by my husband, this thorough and honest account of Prouse's professional downfall and resulting humiliation ultimately turns out to be a truly inspiring story.
September 19, 2024
fantastic book
This was a great story. What courage it must have taken to overcome all of the challenges in his life.
This was a great story. What courage it must have taken to overcome all of the challenges in his life.
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November 25, 2022Quit Lit. "Grounded" 4th Ed. Big book story.
August 9, 2012
Description:
Final Approach is the true story of Lyle Prouse - the first commercial airline pilot caught, arrested, and imprisoned for flying while intoxicated - and his life-long battle with alcoholism.
Review:
I am too young to remember Northwest Airlines Flight 650 and the controversy that surrounded it, but as soon as I showed my parents the book, they immediately recalled the night in 1990 when they saw it on the news. They used words like “shocking”, “irresponsible”, “unbelievable”, “crazy”, and “life-altering”; and after reading Lyle Prouse’s story, I can definitely attest to those descriptions, especially the last one. Looking at the cover, you would think that this book centered around the fateful flight, which it does in a sense, but it also tells the genuinely awe-inspiring story of one man’s early-life, career, life-threatening mistakes, prices paid, and the remarkable journey back to redemption - and beyond. This memoir is unexpected, emotionally riveting, and chock-full of hope for those affected by alcoholism or addiction. After falling from grace, and suffering through unimaginable repercussions, Lyle managed to beat the odds, (with the help of his ever-loyal wife), conquering his addiction, starting over, and rising through the ranks to, again, become a pilot; followed by a Presidential pardon. It is simply amazing to imagine what Lyle went though because of his shortcomings, having the strength and wherewithal to redeem himself, and to write about his battle in such an honest and articulate manner. I will definitely be recommending Final Approach as a must read for anyone who finds themselves lost and is looking for the light. I really respect Lyle Prouse for the truly eye-opening and inspiring journey he takes readers on with his “never give up” mentality; his words may change someones life for the better.
Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)
*** I received this book from the author (Pump Up Your Book) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Final Approach is the true story of Lyle Prouse - the first commercial airline pilot caught, arrested, and imprisoned for flying while intoxicated - and his life-long battle with alcoholism.
Review:
I am too young to remember Northwest Airlines Flight 650 and the controversy that surrounded it, but as soon as I showed my parents the book, they immediately recalled the night in 1990 when they saw it on the news. They used words like “shocking”, “irresponsible”, “unbelievable”, “crazy”, and “life-altering”; and after reading Lyle Prouse’s story, I can definitely attest to those descriptions, especially the last one. Looking at the cover, you would think that this book centered around the fateful flight, which it does in a sense, but it also tells the genuinely awe-inspiring story of one man’s early-life, career, life-threatening mistakes, prices paid, and the remarkable journey back to redemption - and beyond. This memoir is unexpected, emotionally riveting, and chock-full of hope for those affected by alcoholism or addiction. After falling from grace, and suffering through unimaginable repercussions, Lyle managed to beat the odds, (with the help of his ever-loyal wife), conquering his addiction, starting over, and rising through the ranks to, again, become a pilot; followed by a Presidential pardon. It is simply amazing to imagine what Lyle went though because of his shortcomings, having the strength and wherewithal to redeem himself, and to write about his battle in such an honest and articulate manner. I will definitely be recommending Final Approach as a must read for anyone who finds themselves lost and is looking for the light. I really respect Lyle Prouse for the truly eye-opening and inspiring journey he takes readers on with his “never give up” mentality; his words may change someones life for the better.
Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)
*** I received this book from the author (Pump Up Your Book) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
August 19, 2012
Lyle Prouse is a former Marine, a husband, a father and a successful pilot at Northwest Airlines. He is also an alcoholic, and in 1990, he became the first commercial pilot arrested, tried and convicted for flying drunk. Final Approach: Northwest Airlines Flight 650 Tragedy and Triumph is Prouse's memoir of his life leading up to and beyond the flight that would change his life in more ways than one.
At the heart of Prouse's story is the flight in which he and his fellow cockpit crew were arrested for flying under the influence of alcohol after partying at a bar only a few hours before boarding. But Prouse only talks briefly of the flight itself. The majority of this memoir is about how he got to that point in his life ~ learning to fly, going to Vietnam and becoming an alcoholic ~ and how he overcame that tragedy, getting sober and moving on with his life.
This is one of the most honest memoirs I have read in a while. Prouse explains what happened in detail and always accepts the blame for what happened to him. He admits that his actions were wrong and makes no excuses for that. It's obvious that he's not looking for pity; he's just telling his story. He also calls out many people who helped him throughout the entire ordeal. He seems genuine in his appreciation to these individuals.
The writing is straightforward and well-written, which is refreshing for a self-published memoir. It's an easy read but is also deep and inspirational. If you're looking for a new memoir, I highly recommend Final Approach. You'll learn a great deal about overcoming obstacles in your life and turning tragedy into triumph as the title says.
At the heart of Prouse's story is the flight in which he and his fellow cockpit crew were arrested for flying under the influence of alcohol after partying at a bar only a few hours before boarding. But Prouse only talks briefly of the flight itself. The majority of this memoir is about how he got to that point in his life ~ learning to fly, going to Vietnam and becoming an alcoholic ~ and how he overcame that tragedy, getting sober and moving on with his life.
This is one of the most honest memoirs I have read in a while. Prouse explains what happened in detail and always accepts the blame for what happened to him. He admits that his actions were wrong and makes no excuses for that. It's obvious that he's not looking for pity; he's just telling his story. He also calls out many people who helped him throughout the entire ordeal. He seems genuine in his appreciation to these individuals.
The writing is straightforward and well-written, which is refreshing for a self-published memoir. It's an easy read but is also deep and inspirational. If you're looking for a new memoir, I highly recommend Final Approach. You'll learn a great deal about overcoming obstacles in your life and turning tragedy into triumph as the title says.
December 16, 2011
Lyle Prouse is a friend of mine but I don't think that disqualifies me from judging his autobiography. He reached the top of several vocations -- as a Marine pilot in Vietnam, who came up through the ranks, and as a captain for Northwest Airlines flying 747 passenger jets. And he reached the bottom when he flew a commercial flight with alcohol in his system, was convicted of a felony in federal court and served time in the federal prison system. He brought shame to himself, to his family, to his airline and fellow pilots, and to the Native American community from which he came. Probably the test of a man's character is not his successes but rather what he does in adversity; the more adverse, the greater the test. In a humble self-effacing way, he tells the story of how he survived the humiliation and incarceration and, with the help of others and a merciful God, climbed back to the pilot's seat of a 747 and a presidential pardon for his crime. I don't think I cried more than a dozen times reading this book; it should probably be read in private. Lyle is not only my friend; he is also one of my heroes. The courage it took to write this book is the courage which has distinguished his entire life. Well done, captain.
August 10, 2012
It is so refreshing to read a book about a man who did wrong and knows it and fully accepts the responsibility of his actions. Final Approach is a book about the author Lyle Prouse and his fight with alcoholism and how he overcomes it. He tells of his early life with alcoholic parents, his years in the service in Vietnam, his days of alcohol abuse. Because of his alcoholism he loses one of the things that he cherishes the most, his pilot license. Mr. Prouse tells his story in a no nonsense manner, never laying blame on anyone else's doorstep but his own. He spends time in prison and did what he could for his fellow prisoners, such as start a program for alcoholics in prison. He works his way back up to regain his flying license back, get a presidential pardon and finally gets reinstated with Northwest Airlines.
I admire Mr. Prouse for his sacrifices and hard work and I especially commend his wife for sticking it out through many years of hardship due to her husbands actions. I would recommend this book be read by people and their families who encounter the same issues but mainly for anyone to read so that they can understand a bit what can happen when an addiction takes hold of a person. I give it 5 stars.
I admire Mr. Prouse for his sacrifices and hard work and I especially commend his wife for sticking it out through many years of hardship due to her husbands actions. I would recommend this book be read by people and their families who encounter the same issues but mainly for anyone to read so that they can understand a bit what can happen when an addiction takes hold of a person. I give it 5 stars.
December 27, 2015
A fascinating true-story about one man's journey into the abyss of human despair and his miracle ascent that could only have been made possible by the hand of divine intervention. That being said, Capt. Prouse did not wait for divine intervention, he knocked on the door until it answered. This book convinced me that anything in life is possible no matter how bad the circumstance may be...but it also reminded me that I can achieve nothing alone. Solo Homerun.
November 2, 2013
This was difficult to read due to my husband being a pilot for American Airlines. I did not recall this incident from 1990 even though I was traveling five days a week at the time.
I decided to read the other pilot's version of the story, "Flying Drunk" to compare the narratives. It is also a difficult book to read. Both are very well written, however.
I decided to read the other pilot's version of the story, "Flying Drunk" to compare the narratives. It is also a difficult book to read. Both are very well written, however.
October 17, 2014
My dad flew with Captain Prouse and he's the one who sent me his book. Prouse is no Thomas Hardy but this is not Far From the Maddening Crowd, it's a relatable, funny, and searing account of Prouse's life and the ordeal he survived. I think I cried about 30 or 40 times. Particularly astounding and worth a book on its own were the accounts of his time spent in prison.
January 3, 2015
Inspiring and well-written
I love aviation stories...but this one is about a man who lost his wings in the most hideous way, through his own stupidity..and then takes us, the readers, with him on his journey to redemption.
I highly recommend this book.
I love aviation stories...but this one is about a man who lost his wings in the most hideous way, through his own stupidity..and then takes us, the readers, with him on his journey to redemption.
I highly recommend this book.
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