Pilot who grew too tall for his fighter

 As a brilliant young pilot, Adam Roberts broke records and came top of his class. But realising his lofty ambitions of taking control of fighter planes has been ruined – by his height. The St Mellons youngster stands 6ft 4ins tall – meaning he could lose his kneecaps if he ever needed to eject from the craft. The St David’s Catholic College student and member of 1344 Cardiff ATC Squadron, based in Maindy barracks, said he is gutted at being grounded. He said: “I took some measurement tests and I was so disappointed when I heard.” Adam joined in June 2005 at the age of 15 and developed ambitions to join the RAF as a pilot. A year later he took a gliding scholarship at the volunteer gliding squadron at St Athan and impressed so much he was invited to join the squadron as a member of staff. Now 17, Adam recently took his flying scholarship at Dundee, taking control of a Grob Heron and going solo in a record seven-and-a-half hours flying time. Squadron commanding officer Steve Abbot said: “Adam recently applied to join the RAF as a pilot, but he is too tall to eject safely from some jet fighters, which would result in him losing his legs. “This is a great disappointment for Adam but he is still considering other possible options to become a pilot. “He was promoted to a cadet Flight Sergeant last week – a dramatic rise through the ranks in just two years. “Adam was also the best student on a recent Wing Leadership course held at MOD St Athan.” Adam said: “I was really disappointed when they told me I was too tall after undergoing the anthropometric measurement test. “The length of my legs from my buttocks to my knees is too long. “There’s a risk I’d lose my kneecaps. “I’m speaking to the flight air Army to see if I can fly helicopters – there’s a bit more leg room.”