JetBlue pilot who disrupted flight free

AMARILLO, Texas -- A JetBlue Airways pilot who disrupted a cross-country flight from New York by leaving the cockpit and yelling about religion and terrorists is free to go home rather than be committed to a mental health facility, a Texas judge ruled yesterday.

Clayton Osbon, 49, was charged with interference with a flight crew for the March incident, but was found not guilty by reason of insanity in July.

A forensic neuropsychologist testified that Osbon had a "brief psychotic disorder" brought on by lack of sleep.

U.S. District Judge Mary Lou Robinson said Friday that Osbon would be set free, with conditions: He will not be allowed on any commercial or private planes without permission, and he will not be allowed to communicate with any passengers from the March 27 flight to Las Vegas that he disrupted.

Passengers said Osbon ran through the cabin yelling about Jesus and al-Qaida. The flight was diverted and safely landed in Amarillo.

Osbon left the federal courthouse without commenting. A JetBlue spokeswoman said he was employed and listed on "inactive duty." Jones declined to say if Robinson's order would affect that status. -- AP