AIRLINES

USAir Pilots Study Merger Plans: Unionized pilots at USAir Group Inc. said they will form a group to evaluate the potential alliance or merger of the carrier with American Airlines or United Airlines, the nation’s two biggest air carriers. USAir, plagued by losses, said it was in talks with the rival carriers that could eventually lead to a takeover, triggering a rally in its stock. In a tape-recorded message to union members, the USAir unit of the Air Line Pilots Assn. said it will study issues such as fleet mix and compatibility, markets, financial benefits and labor issues. USAir, the nation’s sixth-largest airline, has lost more than $3 billion over the past six years but recently projected a 1995 profit.