Flight rerouting called ‘reckless’

The re-routing of four flights over North Carolina and Georgia is being investigated due to union allegations that an FAA manager ordered the move in violation of federal rules. The incident, which occurred at Jacksonville Center late last week, was first made public by NATCA (press release here) and later picked up by the AP. Union reps say the aircraft — a Delta Airlines B757, a Virgin Atlantic B747 and two Southwest Airlines B737s — were ordered to fly out of their way so that a trainee could demonstrate his capabilities during a so-called “skills check.” An FAA spokeswoman says the agency is looking into the incident.