Broken collarbone

[Yam2006]

My son is 15 and broke his collarbone. Does anyone know if this can effect his ability to become a pilot.

 

[flieger83]

The questions that immediately come to mind:

1. Was it clean and did it heal naturally?
2. Did it require surgery? Does he have pins, plates, screws, or any type of retained metal?
3. How long ago and what has he done since?

That's just what comes to mind. The first question that will be raised is: does he meet military accession standards? And there's only one person on this site that can give a fully educated answer to that: Mr. Larry Mullen. You'll find him in the DODMERB area.

BUT...he deals with the candidates and potential candidates, not parents. It's a great way for him to assist the young men and women in their development of becoming proactive and advocating for themselves. I'd ask your son if he is serious about becoming a military pilot? If he is, then he needs to know if he's going to be able to enter the military. Mr. Mullen can give him solid information to help guide him.

Have your son research Mr. Mullen's information in the DODMERB area and then, if he wants to, he can reach out to Mr. Mullen.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83

 

[rkv]

As previously posted, it depends on the break and how it healed. My son is a USAFA grad who broke his collarbone twice and is a USAF pilot. The first time was at age 14 which healed without any hardware but required a minor surgery to remove a bone spur. The second time was while he was at the Academy and was the same shoulder as the original break. That time it did require hardware which was left in. Post surgery at USAFA they told him that it wouldn’t disqualify him from being a pilot but if he broke it a third time he would be disqualified from being a pilot. The net of it was that he stopped participating in the sport which caused his second break. And continues to avoid for the foreseeable future. They also would have given him time off if he requested. He didn’t. Although he did learn to write with his other hand. ;-)

 

[Ramjet]

As previously posted, it depends on the break and how it healed. My son is a USAFA grad who broke his collarbone twice and is a USAF pilot. The first time was at age 14 which healed without any hardware but required a minor surgery to remove a bone spur. The second time was while he was at the Academy and was the same shoulder as the original break. That time it did require hardware which was left in. Post surgery at USAFA they told him that it wouldn’t disqualify him from being a pilot but if he broke it a third time he would be disqualified from being a pilot. The net of it was that he stopped participating in the sport which caused his second break. And continues to avoid for the foreseeable future. They also would have given him time off if he requested. He didn’t. Although he did learn to write with his other hand. ;-)

My DS, a current HS senior (who is waiting to see if he receives an appt to USAFA '27), just broke his collarbone for the 2nd time in 3 years. First break (bike accident) was a bad one and we opted for a titanium plate and screws (later removed and no issues whatsoever). This one (snowboard fall) not as bad and will probably heal on its own (have an appt with orthopedic surgeon tomorrow).
After the appt tomorrow, we will update DoDMERB and let the chips fall where they may. He wants to be USAF pilot (has PPL, is working on instrument rating now) and I'm just wondering if you have any more info about being DQ'd from being a pilot after 3 breaks... is it automatic or does it depend on the severity/location of all 3 breaks? Any advice/info you can point me to would be very much appreciated!

 

[Capt MJ]

My DS, a current HS senior (who is waiting to see if he receives an appt to USAFA '27), just broke his collarbone for the 2nd time in 3 years. First break (bike accident) was a bad one and we opted for a titanium plate and screws (later removed and no issues whatsoever). This one (snowboard fall) not as bad and will probably heal on its own (have an appt with orthopedic surgeon tomorrow).
After the appt tomorrow, we will update DoDMERB and let the chips fall where they may. He wants to be USAF pilot (has PPL, is working on instrument rating now) and I'm just wondering if you have any more info about being DQ'd from being a pilot after 3 breaks... is it automatic or does it depend on the severity/location of all 3 breaks? Any advice/info you can point me to would be very much appreciated!

First step is reporting to DoDMERB the changes to his medical history. See how it plays out. Each case is evaluated on its merits. Good thing this is not happening in May.

 

[Academician]

I also recommend that you maintain all of the medical records, especially the documentation of the repair and healing. DODMERB may very well ask for these details so you can avoid the 'scramble' if you anticipate this potential requirement. About 20% of cadets will need medical waivers, and I find that is about the same percentage that occurs with the students with which I work. I hope all goes well with your son's healing!

 

[shock-n-awe]

I don’t know about pilot medical standards, and best advice is from Mr Mullen as stated above
I can share experience with DS as one example. He broke his collarbone at age 12. It required surgery permanently installing titanium plate and screws. He recovered with zero issues and went on to play 3 sports in HS. We went back to his surgeon and had an examination and requested him to write a letter stating his opinion that there were no issues or limitations and that he’s 100% recovered. We were trying to be proactive recognizing this past injury could present an issue. DS reported the past injury and presented that letter at his Dodmerb exam and did not get DQ or require a waiver. He got his appointment to WP and is an old grad now.
This may not always play out the same, but just sharing our experience.
Best of luck!