If a condition disqualifies you from flying, what is your responsibility regarding your aviation medical certificate?

If a condition disqualifies you from flying, your primary responsibility regarding your aviation medical certificate is to stop flying, but you do not need to surrender it. This approach reflects the requirement for pilots to prioritize safety in aviation operations. While it's crucial to cease flying if a medical condition impairs your ability to do so safely, you are not mandated to return the medical certificate to the FAA unless specifically instructed to do so under certain circumstances.

Stopping flight operations protects not only your safety but also that of others in the airspace. The medical certificate serves as formal documentation of your medical status at the time of issuance, but it is your ongoing responsibility to assess your health and fitness for flight operations constantly. Should your medical condition improve, you may again assess your eligibility and consider reapplying for a medical certificate when appropriate.

Other options, such as reporting to a flight school or seeking a second opinion, may be part of a broader safety protocol but do not capture the immediate responsibility of ceasing flight operations. Returning the certificate to the FAA may also not be necessary unless you're unsure of your fitness or have specific legal directives to follow. The focus should always remain on making safe decisions based on your current health status.