Did I hear the story correctly, that someone turned the drunk pilot in? If that had not happened would he have flown the plane? I guess so. Why did he get so close to flying? I have a very simple solution for the airline industry.
"MAKE IT MANDATORY THAT EACH PILOT TAKE A BREATHALIZER TEST WHEN THEY CHECK IN". When a cop pulls you over they determine "IMMEDIATLY" whether you are cleared to drive or not. There are plenty of police and security at airports so why not give one of the cops the duty of giving the test to the pilots? Simple and cost affective. I am sure if the pilots knew they had to take a test before when they checked it would change their minds. Also do not allow them to sit in the bar and relax before they leave. When they check in and pass the test they go straight to the plane and get ready to go. I fly overseas every year and I sure don't want a drunk at the helm. Since the airlines can't seem to get things right we, the public, better come up with something before another plane crashes.