Visitors are invited to the Coeur d'Alene Airport, Pappy Boyington Field, Monday through Wednesday to tour or fly one of the three most iconic aircraft from World War II.

"The tour itself is a flying interactive memorial to our World War II veterans," said Hunter Chaney with the Collings Foundation, the Massachusetts-based educational nonprofit that operates the program now in it 25th year.

Aviation enthusiasts will have the chance to tour the traveling museum and book flights on two of the three aircraft currently on tour; a B-17 Flying Fortress, a B-24 Flying Liberator and a P-51 Mustang, considered by some to be the finest fighter aircraft in history, according to Chaney.

Visitors can come watch the landing around 11:30 a.m. Monday. The ground tours are noon to 5 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, and 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday. Flight bookings are available before and after the walk-though hours.

Murdo Cameron, president and co-founder of the Coeur d'Alene Airport Association, was instrumental in bringing the traveling tour to Coeur d'Alene this year.

"It's to show people these great airplanes that saved democracy," said Cameron, a Wallace native and a now-retired commercial pilot of 32 years.

Visitors can explore the aircraft inside and out, at a cost of $12 per adult and $6 for children age 6 or younger. Veterans of World War II can tour at no cost.

Visitors can also book half-hour and one-hour flights.

Thirty-minute flights on the B-17, named the "Nine O Nine" and the B-24, named the "Witchcraft," can be booked for $450. Part of the cost is tax deductible, as it goes to support the operation of the unique mobile museum.

Flyers should prepare themselves for "the fly catcher effect," Chaney said.

"It's when you're in the aircraft for the first time and it goes down the runway," he explained. "There is not a closed mouth in the aircraft.

"It really transports you to a different time," Chaney said. "It's that kind of effect that makes the living history program so powerful."

Those who want "stick time" on the P-51 can book a 30-minute flight for $2,200 or a 60-minute flight on the "Betty Jane" for $3,200. The vintage fighter is a one-of-a-kind two-seater that can count toward flight time. Pilots are encouraged to bring their books.

The P-51 was nicknamed the "Little Friend" by World War II bombers who depended on it to fend off Axis fighters.

The P-51 Mustang has several affectionate nicknames at the Collings Foundation, including "Marital Argument," "Second Retirement," or "The Bank."

Chaney recommends the one-hour flight. "If you're going to be sleeping on the couch for a month, it might as well be worth it," he said.

Visitors interested in further information can call (800) 568-8924 or visit www.collingsfoundation.org.

The exhibit will be located off Atlas Road on the west side of the Coeur d'Alene Airport.

Chaney said about four million visitors participate in the exhibit annually. "We need to not only continue to honor our World War II vets but engage the younger generation in knowing history."