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DALLAS — The pilots union president said last week 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 canceling 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 three-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 nine to 14 hours, depending on when the pilot’s workday started and the number of flights. They can exceed their limit for unexpected delays such as bad weather, but they can’t take off if they know they won’t complete the flight under the limit.

The rules were designed to prevent accidents caused by fatigue.