Applications for the issue, revalidation or renewal of medical certificates shall be submitted to the competent authority in accordance with the procedure established by that authority.

Medical certificates shall be issued by a competent medical body of the competent authority or by aero medical examiners or aero medical centres approved by that authority.

The issuing of medical certificates shall be consistent with the provisions of Annex I to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation and the Requirements for European Class 3 Medical Certification of Air Traffic Controllers laid down by Eurocontrol.

Competent authorities shall ensure that effective review or appeal procedures are put in place with the appropriate involvement of independent medical advisors.

The periods referred to in paragraph 1 shall be calculated from the date of the medical examination in the case of initial issue and renewal of a medical certificate, and from the expiry date of the previous medical certificate in the case of revalidation.

Examinations for the revalidation of a medical certificate may be undertaken up to 45 days prior to the expiry date of the medical certificate.

If the air traffic controller does not undergo an examination for the revalidation by the date on which the certificate expires, a renewal examination shall be required.

The medical certificate may be limited, suspended or revoked at any time if the medical condition of the holder so requires.

Air navigation service providers shall establish procedures to manage the operational impact of cases of reduced medical fitness and inform the competent authority when a licence holder has been assessed as medically unfit.

The procedures referred to in paragraph (2) shall be approved by the competent authority.