Coconuts,
What exactly do you do ?
Generalising that pilots and alcohol are inextricably linked is not true. The problem is miniscule when you bear in mind how many flights are operated in the world every day. If, and it is if, he has been stupid then he will pay the consequences of his actions, lose his job, probably be unable to find employment again in the industry and have to deal with the knock-on effects on his family and their lives this Christmas.
Perhaps if you were a pilot, you might begin to understand the stresses many have to suffer, being away from home, having to cope with time zone changes, disrupted sleep patterns causing fatigue and tiredness, night flying etc etc.
And don't think I am defending him if he is guilty because I am not, but I can understand why it happens. People jump into cars every day thinking they are fit to drive when they are not, endangering their lives and others. Ever done it yourself ?