For the first time in over six years, the skies above Dunoon, Scotland, were graced by the 2296 Squadron RAF Air Cadets, with two Akweya siblings at the heart of the long-awaited return to flight. Cadets Mark Eche and Catherine Eche—the two Akweya children—alongside Corporal Morris Brown, took part in an Air Experience Flying (AEF) session at Glasgow Airport this week, marking a momentous milestone for the squadron.
The trio, who were embarking on their very first flight in a Grob Tutor aircraft, were filled with nervous excitement, an emotion that unit leaders noted was completely normal for first-time flyers. However, any pre-flight jitters were quickly put to ease as the cadets underwent comprehensive instruction on safety protocols, learning how to correctly put on and remove their flying gear, and reviewing detailed emergency evacuation procedures.
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With clear skies providing perfect, albeit slightly hot, flying conditions, the young aviators took turns at the controls alongside their experienced RAF instructor. The highlight of the exhilarating sortie came when the cadets soared directly over their home town of Dunoon—giving Mark and Catherine a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of their local community—and were even treated to thrilling backward loops mid-flight.
Both Mark and Catherine, along with Cpl Brown, returned to the tarmac sporting beaming smiles after the successful mission. A spokesperson for the squadron expressed immense pride in the achievement, noting, “The last time cadets from 2296 went flying was back in September 2019, so this is a great milestone achievement for the squadron. Well done, everyone.” The successful day marks a bright new chapter in the squadron’s aviation history.
Catherine and Mark are children of Mr Raphael Obekwu Eche and Mrs Catherine Ommi-Eche, both from Ejor, Akweya, in Otukpo Local Government, Benue State, Nigeria.
