B-17 BOMBER HERE FOR AIRPORT OPEN HOUSE

A World War II, B-17 bomber will be the featured attraction this weekend at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport's open house and fly-in.

The "Texas Raiders" bomber will land this afternoon at the airport. It will be on public display from 3-7 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The public can tour the massive airplane at a cost of $3 for adults and $2 for children under 12 years of age.

Powered by four 1,200 horsepower engines, the B-17 was the largest U.S. bomber in the early years of the war, carrying a maximum bomb load of 17,000 pounds and a crew of 10. Its nickname was the "Flying Fortress."

The "Texas Raiders" bomber is operated by members of the Houston-based Gulf Coast Wing of the Confederate Air Force.

The airport open house and fly-in will be held Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m.

The Air Evac medical helicopter and the Missouri Fish & Game airplane will be on display.

The Civil Air Patrol, the Missouri National Guard and the Missouri Highway Patrol also will participate.

Air Evac Aviation will provide airplane rides. Individuals may ride in a single-engine plane for $10 or a twin-engine for $15. The Air Evac helicopter will be available for tours.

Saturday's open house is an opportunity for the public to see the airport's facilities, said Greg Chenoweth, airport manager.

"Many people live in the Cape Girardeau area and have never visited our facilities," he said.