Judge Allows Former JetBlue Captain Leaves Texas Prison Medical Facility

The JetBlue captain who went through the cabin of an airplane on a flight from New York to Las Vegas in March yelling about al-Qaida and Jesus has been released from a prison medical facility, though records of his psychiatric evaluations have been sealed.

Clayton Osbon, 49, suffered from what was described as a "brief psychological disorder" caused by a lack of sleep, and was found not guilty by reason of insanity of charges of interfering with a flight crew.

The former pilot remains on the JetBlue payroll, though his status is "inactive," according to a report from the Associated Press. The judge has issued orders preventing him from boarding any flight without permission from either the judge or his probation officer. He must also find regular work, or enter a training program approved by the probation officer.

Osbon left the courthouse in Amarillo, TX, where the trial was held, Friday, and was being accompanied on the 1,300 mile drive back tho his home in Georgia by a fellow JetBlue employee. His attorney said it is not known whether he would ever fly a plane again, and a JetBlue spokeswoman would not say whether the release would affect his status as an employee.

FMI: www.txnd.uscourts.gov