COEUR d'ALENE - World War II planes, destined for Coeur d'Alene but grounded in Seattle on Monday due to cloudy conditions, may arrive at the Coeur d'Alene Airport today for the Wings of Freedom Tour.

"They're thinking they may get them out of Seattle (this morning)," said Tom Lewis of the Coeur d'Alene Airport Association.

The B-24 Liberator, B-17 Flying Fortress and P-51 Mustang were slated to be on display at the airport on Monday, today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Lewis said the earliest the birds would arrive at Pappy Boyington Field today would be 10 a.m., but the arrival, if it happens, is totally dependent on the weather.

"These are approaching 70 years old," Lewis said. "They don't have all the flight instruments some new planes have. They fly under visual flight rules rather than instrument flight rules."

"It's up to Mother Nature."

Lewis said the event's other activities, including speakers today from noon to 5 p.m., are slated to go on regardless whether the planes arrive. There will be entertainment, including a video of the planes and music, between the speakers. Concessions will be available.

Burt Rutan, whose company developed a variety of groundbreaking projects from military aircraft to executive jets, will speak at 3 p.m.

Walk-through tours of the planes are $12 for adults and $6 for children 12 and younger. They are free for World War II veterans.

Lewis encouraged those who plan to take a half-hour ride on one of the planes for $425 to call (978) 562-9182 for questions and updates.

The event is presented by The Collings Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to organizing "living history" events.