Vintage planes on display this week

Two vintage aircraft from the World War II era are scheduled to land today at the Resort Jet Center at the Coeur d'Alene Airport/Pappy Boyington Field in Hayden.

The Commemorative Air Force, a Texas-based flying museum, will showcase Fifi, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber, and Bucket of Bolts, a C-45 transport aircraft, during an exhibition today through Wednesday.

The airplanes are expected to arrive around noon today. The exhibit will be open today from 2 to 6 p.m., and on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

The B-29 will offer flights on Wednesday at 9 and 10:30 a.m. The rest of the time it will be on static display on the ground and available for cockpit tours, free with paid admission. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 11 to 17. Children age 10 and under may visit for free.

Fifi is the only flyable B-29 in the world today, said Kim Pardon, from Commemorative Air Force. It was rescued from an airplane "boneyard" in the 1970s and restored.

The Bucket of Bolts is a Beechcraft C-45 twin-engine airplane powered by two Pratt & Whitney 985 radial engines. It was used during the second World War for executive transport, cargo and twin engine training for future bomber pilots, Pardon said. Visitors can ride in the co-pilot seat or in one of 4 VIP seats in the cabin.

Ride prices range from $75 to $1595, and can be purchased at www.AirPowerTour.org where further information about the exhibit can be found.

Also on site during the event will be representatives from the North Idaho College Aerospace Composite Technology program.

The new program launched in fall 2013 with approximately 50 students, and is currently accepting applications for the fall semester. Wayne Cardwell, the recruiter and placement coordinator for the program will available to answer questions about the program.

Information: www.nic.edu/aerospace.