Union chief says American pushing pilots to speed up flights

The pilots' union president said Thursday that American Airlines is reducing its safety margin by "manipulating" flight plans with tactics that include faster speeds. The union official suggested that American is trying to avoid cancelling flights when crews push the limits of their legally allowed work shifts. American did not respond directly to the union leader's claims. A spokesman said the airline takes safety and regulations seriously. Dan Carey, who just started a 3-year term as president of the Allied Pilots Association, said in a note to members that pilots were reporting pressure to approve faster flight plans. Federal rules generally limit airline pilots to shifts of 9 to 14 hours, depending on when the pilot's work day started and the number of flights. <br/>