Howie Wing A Saga Of Aviation 1938.xx.xx Episode 78

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Episode Title: Howie Wing: A Saga Of Aviation 1938.xx.xx Episode 78
Release Date: August 8, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Description: Relive the excitement of the Golden Age of Radio with classic shows like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and more. In this episode, Howie Wing takes center stage, delivering a thrilling aviation adventure.

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Introduction

In Episode 78 of Howie Wing: A Saga Of Aviation, listeners are transported back to the tumultuous era of 1938 aviation. This installment weaves a riveting tale of bravery, defiance, and the relentless pursuit of duty amidst adverse conditions. The episode showcases the resilience of its protagonist, Howie Wing, as he navigates both literal and metaphorical storms.

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Plot Overview

Forced Landing and the Critical Mission

The story commences with Donna Cavendish, a dedicated pilot flying from Dallas, Texas, to San Antonio with life-saving serum for a critically ill child. Due to inclement weather, Donna is compelled to make an emergency landing at Austin airport. There, she encounters Howie Wing and Duke Dinsmore, who have flown in under challenging circumstances themselves.

Donna's Determination:
“I was in a hurry to get back. I'm sorry, sir.” [12:21]

Donna’s unwavering commitment leads her to persuade Howie to take on the responsibility of transporting the serum to Randolph Field, despite directives to remain grounded.

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Defying Orders

Taking Flight Against Protocol

Faced with a teletype message likely ordering them to stay on the ground, Howie becomes anxious to proceed before the orders could halt their mission. Defying orders, and driven by the urgency of the situation, Howie takes off with Donna aboard.

Howie’s Anxiety:
“We never should have taken off.” [03:43]

This bold decision sets the stage for the high-stakes adventure that unfolds, highlighting themes of duty versus obedience.

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Navigating the Storm

Challenges in the Fog

Shortly after takeoff, Howie encounters dense, low-hanging clouds that obscure his vision, forcing him to rely solely on his instruments. As visibility diminishes, the radio range beam, essential for navigation, starts to fade, leading to a perilous dive.

Donna's Reassurance:
“Be still, Donna. We're all right. Just leave everything to me.” [03:40]

Despite the mounting tension, Donna maintains her composure, guiding Howie through the crisis with decisive action and expert handling.

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Triumphant Landing

Overcoming Adversity

After a harrowing flight through the fog and overcoming navigation setbacks, Howie and Donna successfully locate Randolph Field. Their precise maneuvering and Donna’s keen navigation skills bring them safely to the ground, ensuring the serum's timely delivery.

Donna's Relief:
“Boy, oh boy, am I glad to be on the ground.” [08:18]

Howie’s Gratitude:
“I'll never know how you did it. It was simply marvelous, Howie.” [08:26]

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Interpersonal Dynamics and Consequences

Unexpected Encounters and Repercussions

Upon landing, Donna makes strategic decisions to protect Howie, leading to an encounter that catches Buzz Rondell’s attention. This interaction hints at underlying tensions and potential disciplinary actions due to their unauthorized flight.

Buzz Rondell’s Surprise:
“What are you doing flying around at night in an army airplane?” [10:00]

Disciplinary Action

The episode culminates with Donna facing stern reprimand from the Captain for disobeying orders and failing to obtain a weather report before departure. Her actions, while heroic, have significant repercussions that set up anticipation for future developments.

Captain’s Rebuke:
“You may have overlooked getting a weather report, but I can't overlook such thoughtlessness or stupidity. You're grounded, Wing.” [12:29]

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Cliffhanger and Future Developments

Impending Investigation

The episode closes on a suspenseful note, questioning whether Howie Wing will face a faculty board for his actions and how Buzz Rondell’s observation of Donna will influence the unfolding narrative.

Narrator’s Tease:
“Well, will Howie Wing face a faculty board as a result of his disregard of orders? And what will happen now that Buzz Rondell saw Donna Cavendish get out of Howie's ship? Some exciting moments are ahead in the next episode of Howie Wing, A Saga of Aviation.” [12:54]

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Notable Quotes

• “We never should have taken off.” — Howie Wing [03:43]

• “Be still, Donna. We're all right. Just leave everything to me.” — Donna Cavendish [03:40]

• “Boy, oh boy, am I glad to be on the ground.” — Donna Cavendish [08:18]

• “You may have overlooked getting a weather report, but I can't overlook such thoughtlessness or stupidity. You're grounded, Wing.” — Captain [12:29]

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Conclusion

Episode 78 of Howie Wing: A Saga Of Aviation masterfully balances tension, character development, and action. It portrays the complexities of duty and the consequences of defiance, all set against the backdrop of 1930s aviation challenges. With its engaging narrative and memorable dialogues, the episode leaves listeners eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Howie Wing’s adventurous saga.

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Stay tuned for the next episode of Howie Wing: A Saga Of Aviation on Harold's Old Time Radio, where new challenges and dramatic twists await our daring heroes.

Transcript

[Howie Wing]

Mmm.

[Buzz Rondell]

Mmm.

[Donna Cavendish]

Oh. Whatcha eating?

[Unnamed Character]

The new banana split cookie from AM PM all freshly baked with real butter with banana, chocolate and strawberry flavors.

Wow, that sounds amazing.

[Howie Wing]

Can I have a bite?

[Unnamed Character]

I'm sorry, but no. But you can't split the banana split.

[Howie Wing]

Not even a little?

[Unnamed Character]

Not even a crumb.

[Howie Wing]

What if.

[Donna Cavendish]

No, please. Mine.

[Unnamed Character]

When it's too legit to split. That's cravenience. Get a 3 pack for 99 cents with our app AMPM. Too much good stuff plus tax where applicable. Prices and participation may vary in terms of conditions apply.

[Narrator]

Stand by for Howie Wing. A saga of aviation.

[Sam]

It's Sam.

[Narrator]

And now back to Howie Wayne. Donna Cavendish, flying from Dallas, Texas to San Antonio with serum for a critically ill child, was forced down at Austin because of bad weather. On the Austin airport, she met Howie Wing and Duke Dinsmore, who'd flown up there on a night cross country. When the transport pilot canceled out his trip, Howie agreed to fly the serum back to Randolph Field, and Donna insisted upon accompanying him. However, in the airport office, Duke was informed by the teletype operator that a message was coming through from Randolph which undoubtedly would order the two flying cadets to remain on the ground. Howie was anxious to get off before the message arrived. Duke refused to read the orders, and Howie took off with Donna. But Duke, still nursing resentment over the reprimand he received, for which he blamed Howie, phoned Buzz Rondell at Randolph, telling him to be on the lookout for the ship. Now, let us pick up Howie and Donna. The young pilot hadn't climbed 100ft off the ground before he ran into dense, low hanging clouds. Forced to fly on instruments, he tunes in on the radio range beam. But suddenly the beam fades out, and then the ship goes into a screeching dive.

[Howie Wing]

Howie, what's happening? What's wrong?

[Donna Cavendish]

Don't get excited with the brain. It's all right.

[Howie Wing]

Do something.

[Donna Cavendish]

Be still, Donna. We're all right. Just leave everything to me.

[Howie Wing]

We never should have taken off.

[Donna Cavendish]

Steady now. We're coming out of the dive. All right. Boy, oh, boy, was that something.

[Howie Wing]

Are we safe now, Howie?

[Buzz Rondell]

Sure.

[Donna Cavendish]

Just relax. You're safe right here as if you were in your own living room.

[Howie Wing]

Well, you certainly are optimistic. Oh, Howie, can't we land? This is terrible. Flying around in fog and not knowing where we are. It was crazy of me ever to let you take off.

[Donna Cavendish]

We'll get through and I'll quit worrying.

[Howie Wing]

Howie, please land before the ship goes into another awful dive.

[Donna Cavendish]

Hey, now, relax. I was fooling with the radio and forgot to watch my instruments. I Guess I unconsciously shoved the stick forward. Then I had to get back on an even keel by flying with my instruments. It sure is a lot different from flying when you can see the ground.

[Howie Wing]

Howie, please land. You haven't the slightest idea where we are.

[Donna Cavendish]

Yes, I have. I'm right on the course. Look at that compass in front of you.

[Howie Wing]

See?

[Donna Cavendish]

I wish I could pick up that radio range.

[Howie Wing]

I'm sorry, Howie, for being scared. I'm sure you'll get through all right. I don't want to be a silly, hysterical girl. And I know you're having all you can do to handle the plane.

[Donna Cavendish]

Forget it, Donna. Gosh, I can't figure out why that range faded.

[Howie Wing]

Can you find Randolph Field without the radio?

[Donna Cavendish]

It would be a lot easier if I could fly right down the beam. I may have to let down through this stuff and fly by. Contact.

[Howie Wing]

Oh. Oh, but how are. You won't be able to see anything. The fog is right down on the ground.

[Donna Cavendish]

There's no use sticking up here and overshooting Randolph. If I can pick up a beat.

[Captain]

Hey, wait.

[Donna Cavendish]

It's the range, Donna. It's coming back in. The radio's working.

[Howie Wing]

Yes, I can hear it.

[Donna Cavendish]

Let's see if we can pick up the identifying signal. I'm sure it must be San Antonio, though. Listen, hot stuff. That ZN is the identifying signal of the San Antonio range. But we're in the N quadrant.

[Howie Wing]

What does that mean?

[Donna Cavendish]

It means we're a little west of the encores. I got off the track in the dive. I can't be much off, so I'll turn east a bit.

[Howie Wing]

How are we going to know when we're near Randolph Field?

[Donna Cavendish]

I'll work that out when I get on the course. It's been over 25 minutes since we took off from Austin, so we can't be far from Randolph once we hit the. Oh, hear that, Donna? It's the encore signal.

[Howie Wing]

But, Collie, we're still flying blind and have no way of telling how near we are to Randolph.

[Donna Cavendish]

Yes, we do. 25 minutes out of Austin, and we should be just about opposite Randolph. You see, Donna, the radio range course runs just west of Randolph, and flying that course for 25 minutes should put us within a few miles of the field. I'm going to let Donna through these clouds.

[Howie Wing]

I'll be awfully careful.

[Donna Cavendish]

Keep your eyes open for any lights we might pick up on the ground. We have only 500ft now, and it won't take long to lose it.

[Howie Wing]

These clouds are awfully thick. I can hardly See the navigation lights on the wingtips?

[Donna Cavendish]

400Ft and still black as a coal mine.

[Howie Wing]

What if we get right down on the ground and can't see anything?

[Donna Cavendish]

We're bound to pick up something. Maybe we can catch a flash of the Randolph beacon. We're still right on the course.

[Howie Wing]

These clouds would only lighten up.

[Donna Cavendish]

300 and still plenty of soup.

[Howie Wing]

Don't try to go too low, Howie.

[Donna Cavendish]

I'm going to dim my board lights so I can see better outside the cockpit.

[Howie Wing]

Still can't see anything but clouds.

[Donna Cavendish]

200Ft. No let up yet. Boy, this stuff is thick.

[Howie Wing]

Don't get much lower, Howie.

[Donna Cavendish]

Watch yourself. It won't be long now. 100ft.

[Howie Wing]

Give it the gun, Howie.

[Donna Cavendish]

Wait a second. I just saw something there. Looked like a farmhouse.

[Captain]

Uh oh.

[Donna Cavendish]

What's that?

[Howie Wing]

I can't see anything.

[Donna Cavendish]

It's the ground.

[Howie Wing]

What are you gonna do?

[Donna Cavendish]

See that? It's the highway to Seguin. And there's the railroad running right side of it. I'm going to turn west and pick up Randolph. I know where we are. We're just a bit south of the field. We'll pick it up any second now. We let down right where the railroad and the highway crosses the on course range. Boy, what a break. Listen, Donna, you hear that? A signal. We've flown into the A quadrant.

[Howie Wing]

Yes, I hear it.

[Donna Cavendish]

Hot sock. There's the flash of Randolph beacon. Boy, we made it. Watch over to your left. It'll come around in a moment and flash. Let's see. By George, that's a stage hangar line. We've made it. Believe it or not, we've made it.

[Howie Wing]

Oh, wonderful, Howie. Oh, yes. I can see the beacon flashing now.

[Donna Cavendish]

And we're landing. Get set. Brace yourself. We may hit hard.

[Howie Wing]

All right.

[Donna Cavendish]

Boy, oh boy, am I glad to be on the ground. I always said I'd rather be born lucky than rich. I'll turn off the radio. Good old radio.

[Howie Wing]

I'll never know how you did it. It was simply marvelous, Howie. I hadn't the slightest idea where we were.

[Donna Cavendish]

Luck I caught. Now look, Donna. I landed on the back area. I didn't want anyone to see you get out of the ship. You climb out, and then I'll taxi the ship over to my hangar. On the basic stage. Yes, Holly, Just leave the parachute in the seat.

[Unnamed Character]

Thought for a while I'd have to use it.

[Donna Cavendish]

How are you going to get to the hospital?

[Unnamed Character]

Oh, I'll walk over to Major Boyem's and get his car. Won't take five minutes from Here.

[Donna Cavendish]

Well, scoot along. I sure hope you get to the hospital in time. Donna.

[Unnamed Character]

Something tells me that I will be in time. Howie, you've saved Rosita's life. I know you have.

[Donna Cavendish]

Well, let's hope the serum gets there in time. But she can thank you if she lives. You better get going. I don't want to keep you here any longer.

[Unnamed Character]

Oh, yeah, Well, I don't. I don't know what to say or how to tell you that, but I think you're well.

[Donna Cavendish]

Gosh, thanks, Donna, but you better beat it. Good luck.

[Howie Wing]

Goodbye. How are you? Thank you.

[Buzz Rondell]

Well, what do you know about that? As sure as I'm a dodo, it's a girl. Dismore was right. I want to see what this is all about. Say.

[Unnamed Character]

You startled me. I didn't.

[Buzz Rondell]

Why, it's Ms. Cavendish.

[Unnamed Character]

Oh, Mr. Rondell.

[Buzz Rondell]

What are you doing flying around at night in an army airplane?

[Unnamed Character]

Well, what are you doing driving around the post this time of night? I thought all lower classmen had to be in their rooms after taps.

[Buzz Rondell]

Yeah, but. Well, I couldn't sleep so well, I thought I'd drive around the post.

[Unnamed Character]

Mr. Rondell, you can do me a tremendous favor. Would you drive me to Major Bullion's quarters?

[Buzz Rondell]

Sure. Jump in. We'll be there before you can catch your breath. Here.

[Unnamed Character]

Thank you so much.

[Buzz Rondell]

I sure was surprised to see you.

[Unnamed Character]

Yes, no doubt.

[Buzz Rondell]

Pretty soft taking a little hop at night.

[Unnamed Character]

Will you please hurry, Mr. Rondell? It's terribly important.

[Buzz Rondell]

Sure, sure. Tell me where to go.

[Unnamed Character]

Go up to the next street and then drive to the Officer's Circle. You'll have to go way around to the circle.

[Buzz Rondell]

Okay. Always glad to help out a beautiful girl in distress. Say, who's. Who's the lucky guy who gets to take you up at night?

[Howie Wing]

Really?

[Unnamed Character]

You wouldn't be interested, I'm sure.

[Buzz Rondell]

Oh, come on, Ms. Cavendish. Who was it?

[Unnamed Character]

Holly Wing, please, Mr. Rondale. Good looking car you have.

[Buzz Rondell]

Come on, quit stalling. I want to snitch in. Howie, was it really?

[Unnamed Character]

Don't you know that curiosity what's killed a cat? I'm sure if you forgot this whole incident, it'd be much better for everyone concerned.

[Buzz Rondell]

Sure, sure, I'll forget it. But, say, when I get to be an upperclassman, how about taking a ride with me some night? I'm not such a bad guy.

[Captain]

Okay, leave it right there. The mechanics will wheel it in.

[Donna Cavendish]

Yes, sir.

[Captain]

Who is it? That you, Wing?

[Donna Cavendish]

Yes, sir. I just came in from Austin.

[Captain]

Well, hurry up and get out of that Crate.

[Donna Cavendish]

Sort of a bad, bad night, isn't it?

[Captain]

Bad night. Of all the brainless dumb acts I've seen pulled around the place, this wins the fries. You mean to tell me you flew in from Austin in this kind of weather?

[Donna Cavendish]

Yes, I did, Captain.

[Captain]

You and Dinsmore were ordered to stay on the ground at Austin. Did you see those orders?

[Donna Cavendish]

No, sir, I didn't.

[Captain]

When did you take off?

[Donna Cavendish]

Well, about three quarters of an hour ago.

[Captain]

And you didn't get my orders for you to remain in Austin?

[Donna Cavendish]

Absolutely not, sir.

[Captain]

Did you get a weather report before you took off, Wing?

[Donna Cavendish]

No, sir, I did not.

[Captain]

Do you mean to tell me that you took off from Austin without getting a weather report?

[Donna Cavendish]

Yes, sir, I did. I. Well, I was in a hurry to get back. I'm sorry, sir.

[Captain]

That sorry stuff won't go. You might have washed out a valuable airplane and a pilot along with. Costs money to train you fellas, and it costs money to build airplanes. You may have overlooked getting a weather report, but I can't overlook such thoughtlessness or stupidity. You're grounded, Wing. You're grounded until I make a thorough investigation. This may mean a faculty board.

[Narrator]

Well, will Howie Wing face a faculty board as a result of his disregard of orders? And what will happen now that Buzz Rondell saw Donna Cavendish get out of Howie's ship? Some exciting moments are ahead in the next episode of Howie Wing, A Saga of Aviation.

[Sam]

Sam.

[Howie Wing]

It.

[Sam]

Sam Sa.