When must a medical certificate be submitted and to whom?

• A. On the 26th of the expiration month to the local Regional Chief Pilot's Office
• B. Immediately after expiration to the FAA regional office
• C. During annual check to the chief flight surgeon
• D. Upon request by operations to the Dispatch Supervisor

Answer: (A)

Medical certificate submissions are about keeping the crew records current and compliant. The required process is to submit the certificate on the 26th of the expiration month to the local Regional Chief Pilot's Office. This timing ensures the airline’s records reflect an up-to-date medical status for scheduling and regulatory compliance, and it provides a predictable, centralized point for handling renewals.

Submitting immediately after expiration to the FAA regional office isn’t how the airline maintains its internal crew records; the FAA issues the medical certificate, while the airline keeps its own copy and tracking. During an annual check with the chief flight surgeon, the focus is on medical evaluation, not on updating the ongoing certificate status in crew records. Waiting for a request from operations to the Dispatch Supervisor creates irregular handling and could disrupt operations, whereas the standard date and office keep things consistent and accountable.