History soars into Cd'A airport

This big girl had a rough time of it. "Fifi," the world's only flying B-29 Superfortress, was a World War II hero, a latecomer who flew crucial missions in the Pacific Theater. As many as 1,000 B-29s at one time bombed Tokyo. These massive bombers - with a longer range of 5,830 miles and bigger bomb load than its predecessors the B-17 and B-24 - dropped the war-ending bombs on Hiroshima (the "Enola Gay") and, three days later, Nagasaki ("Bockscar").

From such glory to serving as target practice for Navy missiles in California: She came a long way, baby.

Finding Fifi in a Naval proving ground in sad condition, the nonprofit Commemorative Air Force rescued her in the 1970s, spent many years and dollars restoring her, and sent her back into the skies. She now tours the nation in pristine condition.

You can see her at the Coeur d'Alene Airport through Wednesday, with hours 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 11 to 17. Children age 10 and under may visit for free.

You may view Fifi's 141-foot wing span sporting four 2,200-horsepower engines, and 99 feet of length. Should you opt for the rare privilege of a look inside, your CAF donation will help keep her, and many other antiques of American air history, flying.

Although the B-29 made its entry late in the war, Boeing introduced her for approval before the U.S. entered it in 1939. The B-29 wasn't just more powerful; it was more technologically advanced with remote controlled guns and pressurized crew areas. The Superfortress continued to serve after WWII, flying missions in Korea until 1953, then was used for refueling, reconnaissance, and rescue operations until being retired by the military in 1960. Of the 2,766 B-29s Boeing built, only Fifi still flies.

Yes, there's romance in these old warbirds. A visual reminder of history, of those who served, fought, died in them. Touching her airframe you can't help but think of them all. And if you meet the CAF crewmembers when you visit (at least drive by the Resort Aviation hangar area along Airport Drive where she's parked), remember please: They are volunteers. They do this for love of old aircraft, and to share history with us.

Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network and former CAF member. Contact her at Sholeh@cdapress.com.