FAA amends FAR Parts 61, 91, 141.

August 24, 2009- FAA has changed the regulations regarding duration of a Student Pilot Certificate. For Student Pilots under the age of 40, their Student Pilot Certificate will now have the same duration as their third class medical certificate of 60 months. For Student Pilots over 40 years of age, their Student Pilot Certificate will retain the old duration of 24 calendar months, the same as that of their Third Class Medical Certificate.

The FAA also changed the definition of "cross country flight" from "at least 50 nautical miles" to "more than 50 nautical miles". This will preclude any cross country flights from PWA to places like Weatherford (KOJA). 

The FAA did maintain the existing intrument currency requirements for instrument rated pilots.

These new changes will take effect in 60 days.