Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio - "Uncle Ned's Squadron 11-11-50 Ned Talks About De-Icer Boots"

Release Date: May 12, 2025
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Uncle Ned's Squadron 11-11-50 Ned Talks About De-Icer Boots

1. Introduction to Uncle Ned's Squadron

The episode kicks off with Uncle Ned addressing the cadet pilots of his squadron, setting a friendly and authoritative tone. At [00:01], Uncle Ned introduces himself as the commanding officer, establishing the framework for an engaging and educational session aimed at young aviation enthusiasts.

2. Interactive Q&A with Cadet Pilots

Host Hugh Downs engages with several cadet pilots, fostering an interactive environment. Early interactions include:

• Paul Emmert at [01:41] shares his experience of riding in a four-engine DC4 aircraft to Portland, Oregon.

  Hugh Downs: "Well, Paul Emmert, what's your address? Where do you live?"
  Paul Emmert: "909 North Cambridge."

• Elaine Erickson at [02:34] recounts a flight with her uncle over North Dakota, highlighting the mesmerizing views from the airplane.

  Hugh Downs: "Elaine, where did you take your airplane trip?"
  Elaine Erickson: "On my vacation in North Dakota..."

These interactions aim to inspire and engage young listeners by showcasing real-life aviation experiences.

3. Educational Segment: Understanding De-Icer Boots

At [05:31], the focus shifts to an educational discussion about de-icer boots—a crucial safety feature in aviation:

• Hugh Downs explains that de-icer boots are flexible rubber sheets with elastic tubes, located on the leading edges of wings and tail surfaces.

  Hugh Downs: "De-icer boots are made out of flexible rubber sheets that have elastic tubes in them... Their purpose is to keep ice from forming on the wings and on the tail."

• He elaborates on their operation, detailing how air pressure inflates and deflates the boots to break off ice accumulation, ensuring the aircraft remains safe and aerodynamic.

  Hugh Downs: "When the boot goes up and down, the ice that is formed on top of it breaks and blows right off the wing and tail surfaces."

This segment not only educates young pilots about essential aircraft maintenance but also underscores the importance of safety in aviation.

4. Story Time: The Daring Flight of Jimmy Mattern

A captivating narrative unfolds at [16:32] as Hugh Downs recounts the harrowing flight of Jimmy Mattern, a renowned pilot facing severe in-flight icing and engine failure:

• Departure and Initial Challenges: On June 3, 1933, Mattern embarks on a record-breaking around-the-world flight. After 1,200 miles over Newfoundland, he encounters unexpected icing conditions.

  Narrator: "He climbed up to 11,000ft up where he was above the clouds that held a dangerous ice."

• Struggle with Ice Accumulation: As night falls, Mattern battles thick sleet, which significantly increases the aircraft's weight, threatening its ability to stay aloft.

  Narrator: "He pushed forward on the control wheel and put the plane in a power dive... At 2,000ft, the ice had melted."

• Engine Failure and Desperate Measures: Mid-Atlantic, Mattern's engine quits. In a tense moment, a piece of cloth obstructs the fuel line, nearly ending his journey tragically. Miraculously, after persistent efforts to restart the engine, he regains control and successfully continues his flight to Moscow.

  Narrator: "When he was only a few feet from the ocean, the engine backfired... Jimmy Mattern had been saved from a watery grave."

This story, shared at [16:32], serves as both an inspiring tale of resilience and a practical lesson on the importance of aircraft safety features.

5. Continued Interactive Q&A: Testing Knowledge

Following the story, Hugh Downs returns to interacting with the cadet pilots, assessing their understanding of the narrative and the technical aspects discussed:

• Philip Cowan at [21:41] correctly identifies that de-icer boots are made of rubber and elastic.

  Hugh Downs: "What are de-icer boots made of?"
  Philip Cowan: "Rubber and elastic."

• Garland Hunter at [22:04] accurately recalls that one of Mattern's wings cracked during the dive.

  Hugh Downs: "What happened to one of the wings when Jimmy Maddern pulled out of that dive?"
  Garland Hunter: "Crash?"

These interactions reinforce the educational content and ensure active participation from the young audience.

6. Emphasizing Loyalty and Squadron Membership

Throughout the episode, the theme of loyalty is emphasized as the weekly mission:

Hugh Downs: "The mission for the week is be loyal. Loyalty is a wonderful thing... Loyalty should start in the home."

Uncle Ned and Hugh Downs encourage listeners to join the squadron, highlighting the benefits and upcoming activities designed to foster a sense of belonging and responsibility among the cadet pilots.

7. Celebrating Birthdays and Armistice Day

At [15:31], the hosts extend birthday wishes to listeners celebrating their special day, tying it to the historical significance of Armistice Day:

Hugh Downs: "November 11th commemorates the end of World War I... To that time, on Armistice Day, we're paying tribute to a democratic ideal of equality and to all the men who gave up their lives to protect that ideal."

This segment blends personal celebration with historical remembrance, instilling a sense of patriotism and community in young listeners.

8. Closing Remarks and Call to Action

As the episode concludes, Uncle Ned and Hugh Downs reiterate the importance of joining the squadron and engaging with the activities:

Uncle Ned: "If you haven't joined the squadron yet, be sure to do so today... You send us your name, address, age and phone number on a penny postcard."

They encourage active participation, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for budding pilots.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Uncle Ned:

  "Attention, pilots for Uncle Ned's squadron. Stand by, pilot, because here he is, your commanding officer, Uncle Ned." [00:01]

• Hugh Downs:

  "De-icer boots are made of rubber and elastic tubes." [08:42]

• Narrator (Story of Jimmy Mattern):

  "Jimmy Mattern was a good pilot and he still is today." [16:32]

• Hugh Downs:

  "Loyalty should start in the home... Be loyal pilots." [04:14]

Conclusion

This episode of "Uncle Ned's Squadron" masterfully blends education, interactive engagement, and inspiring storytelling to captivate young aviation enthusiasts. Through discussions on de-icer boots, real-life pilot stories, and active participation from cadet pilots, the podcast fosters a love for aviation and instills valuable lessons on safety and loyalty. Whether you're a young pilot in training or an adult reminiscing about the Golden Age of Radio, this episode offers both entertainment and insightful knowledge.