13-2-93 16 - 2-93 Wigram First and last By DAVE WILSON Two pilot trainees yesterday recorded a poignant "first" at the Wigram air base. Officer Cadets David Parker and Paul Callaghan, who are taking part in an RNZAF Wings flying training course, made their first solo flights. But while the flights were a first for them, they were the last "first solos" to be flown by air force trainees at Wigram. All flying training is being relocated to Ohakea by July, ending Wigram's association with flying training, which began there in June 1917. Between 1917 and 1918 the Canterbury Aviation Company, formed by Sir Henry Wigram, trained 182 young men eager to join the Royal Flying Corps and fight in France. The pilot trainees each paid £100 for their flying course, of which £75 was refunded by the British Governmęnt if a pilot was accepted by the RFC. At the outbreak of World War Il, Wigram was one of the main training establishments in the air force, and ordered to produce almost 300 pilots a year. Cost-cutting has led to the flying training operations being shifted north. The present Wings course being run by the Pilot Training Squadron has 13 students. From July they will continue their training, including conversion to jet aircraft, at Ohakea. Christchurch City councillors yesterday discussed the uncertain future of the air base with the member of Parliament for Selwyn, Miss Ruth Richardson. The base is expected to be closed as the result of an air force study into the cost comparisons between it and Woodbourne. Cr Ron Wright said the meeting was not specifically to discuss alternative plans for the future use of the 247ha base, but it had been discussed. Councillors will visit Wigram on Wednesday to examine the facilities as background information for continuing talks about the future use of the site. to reach for the sky Officer Cadets Paul Callaghan and David Parker relax at Wigram yesterday after making the last "first solo" flights of trainee pilots at the air base. All flying training is moving to Ohakea by July. -Photograph by ANNETTE DEW group formed A support greup formed to preserve Wigram as an airfield has offered its support to a local consortium and city council moves to save and develop the site. The Wigram Airfield Development Support Group was set up • this month after the efforts of a Christchurch woman, Mrs Lois Short, who has been elected the group's chairwoman. Mrs Shert said yesterday that the support you was to ask the Christchurch City Council, the Canterbury Regional Council, and local members of Parliament to foster a committee to investigate the feasibility of developing Wigram as a civilian enterprise. Although the group wanted the air force to remain at Wigram, it acknowledged the probability that the RNZAF intended to quit the base. If that happened, the support group hoped for a smooth transition to a civilian airfield, training establishment, and business complex.