Pilots taxi spouses in aircraft Published Oct. 1, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Candy Miller 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- About 90 spouses donned flight gear Sept. 30 to experience what instructor pilots at the 80th Flying Training Wing do at work during the wing's annual Taxi Day. Briefings, a stop at life support to gear up and a final step to the aircraft marked the day's events, leading to the eventual taxiing of the T-6A Texan II, T-37 Tweet and T-38C Talon up and down the Sheppard's runways. "It's an opportunity I don't have in Germany," said Tina Helet, wife of a German instructor pilot. "He's able to show me what he's doing." This wasn't her first experience with Taxi Day, but it was a new opportunity to take a ride in the T-37. She said she taxied with her husband in the T-38 Talon in previous years, but a friend has agreed to give her a ride in the T-37, she said. "I'm excited and curious, it should be different," she said. Mrs. Helet said it's a unique opportunity for the wing to provide spouses. She said legal issues in other countries doesn't allow for this type of experience. "It's just great of the U.S.," she said. "I love it." The pilots appreciated the opportunity as well. Capt. Richard Stringer said he wanted his wife to experience what he does every day so she can understand it better. "I think he has a lot more fun than what I expected," his wife Michelle said after taxiing with her husband for the first time. She said she can't wait for another opportunity to taxi alongside her husband again.