Take a flight back

World War II warplane coming to CDA

The Flying Legends of Victory Tour is bringing the “Maid in the Shade” World War II B-25 warplane to the Coeur d’Alene Airport for in-air flights and ground tours next Monday through Sunday.

Considered one of the best, most versatile World War II weapons, the heavily armed B-25 warplanes were used for high- and low-level bombing, machine gun blitz, photo surveillance, and submarine patrol.

One of 34 B-25 Bombers of its kind still flying today, the “Maid in the Shade” Mitchell B-25 saw duty in Dutch, British, Chinese, Russian, Australian, and United States combat areas.

Named in honor of Gen. Billy Mitchell, the father of strategic bombing, the “Maid in the Shade” Bomber is known for its role in the 1942 Tokyo raid where 16 planes bombed targets across Japan. In her prime, the “Maid in the Shade” flew 15 combat missions over Italy and Yugoslavia, target-bombing railroad bridges.

After the Commemorative Air Force Airbase in Arizona acquired the warplane in 1981, the aircraft underwent an extensive 28-year restoration, allowing allow it to fly again in 2009.

In-air flights are available Aug. 14-16 for $325 to sit behind the machines in the Waist Gunner position or $590 to sit in the front jump seat.

The warplane will be open to the public for ground tours next Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday and Friday through Sunday. Ground tours are $10 per person or $20 per family.

Book online, as seats are limited: www.azcaf.org/tour