Tells Judge: "It Saved My Life"

A Vacation Express pilot charged with trying to fly while under the influence of alcohol said Wednesday he was grateful for his arrest. "It saved my life," he said.

Scott Marvin Russell, 38, was the copilot on a Boeing 737 flight from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA, to Myrtle Beach, SC, on May 12, 2004. As the aircraft taxied to the runway, he told the plane's pilot that he was sick and needed to return to his hotel room. Russell was later arrested after an FAA inspector told authorities he smelled alcohol on the copilot's breath. Russell's blood alcohol was as high as 0.13 percent, according to authorities. The FAA prohibits anyone with a blood-alcohol content of higher than 0.04 percent.

"I am an alcoholic," Russell told the judge Wednesday. He was quoted by the Wilkes-Barre Citizens Voice. "I did not understand the grasp the disease had on me. I was in complete denial of the situation.... I'm just fortunate that I didn't hurt anyone."

Russell said he's been sober now for six months after voluntarily entering an alcohol treatment program.

That admission aside, Russell could 15-years in prison and a fine of $250,000. But prosecutors say they've made a deal with Russell. Under the terms, he'll spend 8-14 months in prison. The judge must still approve that arrangement.

FMI: www.faa.gov