If you have an unexpired aviation medical certificate and experience a health problem, what is required if that condition disqualifies you from acting as a pilot?

If you have an unexpired aviation medical certificate but experience a health condition that disqualifies you from exercising your privileges as a pilot, the correct course of action is to stop using those privileges while you are not medically fit. You do not need to surrender your certificate immediately, as it remains valid until it is either surrendered, revoked, or expires.

Pilots are responsible for ensuring that they meet the medical standards necessary to operate an aircraft. If a medical condition arises that affects their ability to fly safely, they must cease flying. Keeping the certificate does not invalidate the necessity to be medically fit; rather, holding onto the certificate simply makes it clear that the pilot may resume their privileges once they address their health concern and if they are deemed fit to fly again through appropriate medical evaluation.

While notification to the FAA may be required in certain situations, it is primarily essential for pilots to prioritize their health and safety and seek appropriate medical guidance. Legal advice may be beneficial in complex situations but is not a requirement in this scenario. This reflects the understanding that while a medical certificate is valid, a pilot must be responsible in recognizing their own physical limitations related to aviation safety.