Uncle Neds Squadron 11-11-50 Ned talks about de-icer boots

Summary

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

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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.

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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]

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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.

Transcript

[Uncle Ned]

Attention, pilots for Uncle Ned's squadron. Stand by, pilot, because here he is, your commanding officer, Uncle Ned.

[Hugh Downs]

Hi, pilot. Say, co pilot Downs, this is some gang we have in the WMAQ ready room this morning. Yes, sir. Den 4 of pack 228 of the Cub Scouts from Morton Grove, Illinois is here. And you know something, Copilot Downs? Yesterday morning at a quarter of 12 in a snowstorm, I was flying a Beechcraft Bonanza right over Morton Grove. Headed for the Chicago airport. Yes, sir, and it was snowing there too. And you know the Buffalo patrol of Troop 871 in Chicago? The Boy Scouts are here. And Pac 62, Den 9 from Wheaton, Illinois. Oh, that's good. So all you pilots at home and in the ready room should pay real special attention to the story for today. It's about a famous pilot and one of his greatest flights. Say, you know, I wish I could hear you pilots at home. Bet you yell right out with the answers to some of our questions. Well, even if I can't hear you, I know that you can answer most of them. And I'll be glad when our two phone calls come in today so I can talk with two alert cadet pilots. I sure hope they each win an airplane. Say, I wonder how many cadet pilots in the ready room have had a ride in an aeroplane. How many of you have?

[Uncle Ned]

Well, right here, Uncle Ned, I've got a young man named Paul Emmert who.

[Hugh Downs]

Has had a ride. He has?

[Uncle Ned]

I found that out before.

[Hugh Downs]

Well, good. Well, Paul Emmert, what's your address? Where do you live?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

909 North Cambridge.

[Hugh Downs]

What kind of an airplane did you have a ride in?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

What motor?

[Hugh Downs]

A four engine airplane. A DC4 or a DC6, I suppose.

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Yeah.

[Hugh Downs]

Where did you go?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Portland, Oregon.

[Hugh Downs]

Way out of Portland. How high did you fly? Do you know? Huh?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

No, I don't think.

[Hugh Downs]

Well, I'll bet you were up about 20,000ft. And I'll bet it had a pressurized cabin in it and everything else. Did you enjoy the trip? Oh, that's. Well, say, wouldn't it have been fine if you could have gone up in the front, right up there in the office and watched those pilots. You saw them once in a while when they opened the door, I'll bet.

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Yes, sir.

[Hugh Downs]

Oh, that's good. Well, I'm glad you had a nice time and you come back and see us again, will you?

[Uncle Ned]

We got a young lady too, Uncle Ned.

[Hugh Downs]

Oh, fine, a lady pilot. And what's your name?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Elaine Erickson.

[Hugh Downs]

Elaine, where are you from?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Chicago, Illinois.

[Hugh Downs]

Chicago, Illinois. Where did you take your airplane trip?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Well, I was on my vacation in North Dakota and my uncle gave me a ride in his airplane.

[Hugh Downs]

Your uncle is a pilot, huh? Oh, that's swell. What kind of an airplane does he have?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

I don't know just what kind it is. It's not too big.

[Hugh Downs]

It isn't too big. It's a small personal type airplane. Well, where'd you fly? What did you do?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Well, he just took us over there and seen the view from the airplane.

[Hugh Downs]

I see over the farm and everything. Did you notice how small those houses and buildings look? And the animals, they look like little toys. What'd you have, about a 30 minute ride?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Yeah.

[Hugh Downs]

Oh, that's. Well, I'll bet you had a lot of fun, didn't you? Yes. Oh, that's good. And next time you have another ride, you keep track of what happened so you can come down and tell me about it, will you?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Yes.

[Hugh Downs]

Okay. Thank you. Well, you know, we only fly model planes here in the WMAQ ready room. But one of these days we're going to make a special announcement about how our cadet pilots can win a ride in a real airplane for yourself and your folks. So you'd better become a cadet pilot and listen in each Saturday.

[Uncle Ned]

This is F74 to UNS Control Tower. F74 to UNS Control Tower, over.

[Hugh Downs]

This is Uncle Ned in UNS Control Tower. Go ahead, F74.

[Uncle Ned]

F74 to Uncle Ned. F74 to Uncle Nat. What's the mission for the week? What's the mission for the week?

[Hugh Downs]

All pilots stand by. The mission for the week is be loyal. Loyalty is a wonderful thing. Our great country is built on loyalty. You know, you can be loyal in many ways. We're all loyal to our country. And our loyalty is a small way of showing appreciation for all the splendid things we get from our country. Loyalty should start in the home. You must be loyal to your parents, to your brothers and sisters. Show your affection for them and your respect for them by being loyal to them. Stick up for them. You must be loyal to your friends too, and to your school and teachers. Loyalty is priceless. You can't buy it anywhere. It must come from your heart. Your pockets may be empty, but if your heart is filled with loyalty, then you're indeed rich. Pilots, remember this mission all your life. It's Be loyal pilots. What's the mission for the week?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Be loyal.

[Hugh Downs]

Yes, sir.

[Uncle Ned]

Well, all the cadet pilots seem to be here or listening at home. Uncle Ned, don't you Think it's time now that we do a little hangar flying.

[Hugh Downs]

Well, good suggestion, co pilot downes. You know, all good pilots like hangar flying. When it's cold or the weather is bad, they gather around in the ready room and talk about flying, about their planes and about ways to keep flying, the safe kind of transportation and sport that it is. Today we're going to talk about de icer boots, where they're located and what purpose they serve. Almost all the military planes and airliners have de I deicer boots. They're made out of flexible rubber sheets that have elastic tubes in them. The deicer boots are located on the leading edge of the wings. Now remember, the leading edge is the front edge of the wing and on the leading edge of the tail surfaces. You know that an airplane is in danger when it starts to ice up. When ice forms in the wing and on the empennage a the plane gets heavy and the wing loses lift. Something has to be done to break the ice off. And that's where the de icer boots come in. Let's pretend that you're flying a big airliner in the winter and you're flying through bad weather. All at once, your co pilot notices that ice has formed on the leading edge of the wing. Years ago, this was a serious problem, but it isn't anymore. You simply push a button that forces air pressure into the tubes, the elastic tubes that run under the de icer boots. The air pressure makes the thin sheet of rubber go up and down. It inflates and deflates. And 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. You know, sometimes there's. During certain weather conditions, the de icer boots have to work all the time and they do a fine job of keeping the ice off. The de icer boots are black, and the next time you see a big plane up close, you look for them. You'll see them right where I told you they'd be. Well, let's go over the high points of this talk. Now, de icer boots are made of rubber and you'll find them on the leading edge of the wing and tail surfaces. They're operated by air pressure that's forced into flexible elastic tubes under the boots. Their purpose is to keep ice from forming on the wings and on the tail. And they're usually black in color. De icer boots are important to safe flying, so do your best to remember today's discussion while we've been hangar flying. Well, co Pilot Downs, do you suppose we can get some good sharp pilots up here to ask some questions?

[Uncle Ned]

No trouble at all, Uncle Ed. I got a Boy Scout right here.

[Hugh Downs]

Well, you sure have. And what's your name?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Philip Cowan.

[Hugh Downs]

Phil, where do you live?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

930 Ainsley Street.

[Hugh Downs]

How old are you?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Eleven and a half.

[Hugh Downs]

Say, you sure look snappy in that scout uniform. You bet you do. Did you participate in that hangar flying with us?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Yes, sir.

[Hugh Downs]

All right, now tell me this. What are de icer boots made of?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Rubber and elastic.

[Hugh Downs]

Well, that's right. They're made of rubber and elastic tubes. You betcha. And yes, look at that. And will you do this? Will you take this Comet Taylor craft home, build it and it really flies. You build it after you've done your good turn for the day, have a lot of fun. And after you get it built, bring it down to me and show it to me, will ya? Thank you very much for being a sharp pilot.

[Uncle Ned]

Another Boy Scout, Uncle Ed.

[Hugh Downs]

Oh, say, and he's a sharp looking one too. What's your name?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Ned Cowan.

[Hugh Downs]

Ned. Well Ned, how are you? Yes siree. How old are you, Ned?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Eleven and a half.

[Hugh Downs]

Eleven and a half. Are you a Tenderfoot Scout?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Yes sir.

[Hugh Downs]

And that's a boy. And I'll bet you're going all the way up to Eagle, aren't you?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

I'll try.

[Hugh Downs]

Yeah, and I'll bet you can do it too. Let's see, you have to have 21 merit badges for an Eagle Scout, don't you?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Well, I'm not too sure about sure.

[Hugh Downs]

You've got to have 10 required ones and then 11 of your choice. You have to have 21. Well, you can do it. You. Now let's see if you can do this. See if you can tell me what color black do. You.

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Have to ask me? I listened.

[Hugh Downs]

Yes, sir. Well, there's a typical Cub Scout. He listened and he was right on the ball. Will you do this? Will you take this Hawk plastic Constellation, our Connie home. You build it, have a lot of fun and I'd like to see it after you get it built, will you bring it back? Okay, fine. Thank you.

[Uncle Ned]

He sure took the words right out of your mouth.

[Hugh Downs]

Well, he really did. You bet he did.

[Uncle Ned]

Here's a young fella.

[Hugh Downs]

Hi there, fella. What's your name?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Ronald Ruskin.

[Hugh Downs]

Ronnie, how old are you?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Eight and a half.

[Hugh Downs]

You're eight and a half? And where do you live?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

4803 South Laughlin.

[Hugh Downs]

I see. What school do you go to?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

St. Louis Flyman?

[Hugh Downs]

Uh huh. You like Airplanes?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Yeah.

[Hugh Downs]

Oh, I'll bet you do. Did you hang or fly with us real good?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Yeah.

[Hugh Downs]

Well, you know what? I want to give you an airplane. You bet I do. But I can only do it if you answer this question for me. What are de icer boots? For what purpose does de icer boots serve? Oh, lookit, everybody in the ready room knows. Now you've got an old ice. What do they do? They take the ice off the wings and tail surfaces. Absolutely. Well, you do this after you've helped mom and dad around the house. You take this comet model of a clipper and you build it and have a lot of fun. Will you do that?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Yes.

[Hugh Downs]

Okay. Thank you for being a good pilot.

[Uncle Ned]

Do we have another pilot?

[Hugh Downs]

Yes, sir. Hi fellow, what's your name?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Chancey Bertha.

[Hugh Downs]

What is it?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Chancey Bertha.

[Hugh Downs]

Well, Johnny, how old are you?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

I'm 12.

[Hugh Downs]

You're 12 years old? And where do you live?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

I live in 57, 505.

[Hugh Downs]

And what school do you go to?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

I go to Corpus Christi.

[Hugh Downs]

Corpus Christi. Well, you know, I know that you were hangar flying. I noticed that you were hanger flying with us. And so do this for me. Tell me where the deicer boots are located.

[Various Cadet Pilots]

They're located on the tip of the wing.

[Hugh Downs]

No, no, wait a minute. Now say it real loud. Now do it over again. Where are the de icer boots located?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

They're located on the wing.

[Hugh Downs]

All right, and where else? Deicer boots are on the wing and tail and the tail surfaces. Yes, sire. Well, you do this. Looky here. Here's a comet model invader. A P2 invader. A real fighter plane, a medium bomber. You take it home, build it and have an awful lot of fun. Okay. Say, that must be our phone call. That must. Yes, sir. I'm going to have to see who he is. Hello? Hello, operator? This is Uncle Ned of Uncle Ned's squadron. Do you have a pilot on the line for me? Lee Jensen will find. Put him on. Hello, who's this? Lee Jensen. Lee, where do you live? South Chicago Street. What town? In Dwight, Illinois. Oh, good. How old are you, Lee? You're 11 years old. Well, this is Uncle Ned, he in the ready room. Did you hang or fly with us? Oh, good. Now I'm going to ask you a question and if you answer it, we're going to send you a wonderful model airplane. But if you can't answer it, then we're going to have two airplanes for the next pilot that can answer the next call. Are you all ready? Okay, how do you start the Boots. The deicer boots. To working. You press a button or pull a lever. That's right, you betcha. And all the cadet pilots in the squadron are mighty glad that you won. Tell me, Lee, have you ever been up in an airplane? You haven't, but you're kind of looking forward to it. I'll bet. Will you do this? The next time you go out near the airport, will you look at a big airplane, a DC3 or a 4 or a 6 or a Connie or something like that. And you look for those de icer boots, will ya? Okay, fine. Thank you, Lee. Lee Jensen of Dwight, Illinois. Yes, sir.

[Uncle Ned]

One other one from this section, Uncle Ned. A boy Scout again.

[Hugh Downs]

Well, good. And I've got a question. You bet I have. What's your name, fella?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Peter Ginley.

[Hugh Downs]

And where do you live?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

5036 North Kenmore.

[Hugh Downs]

Uh huh. What kind of a scout are you?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

I'm a tenderfoot.

[Hugh Downs]

You're a tenderfoot scout? How long have you been a boy scout?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

For about a half a year.

[Hugh Downs]

Half, huh? Well, quite a little while anyway. Well, I'll bet it won't be long before you're a second class scout and then a first class. And you're going right up the ladder, aren't you? You betcha. And scouting is good for boys. All right, tell me this. What makes the boots. What makes the deicer boots inflate and deflate.

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Air?

[Hugh Downs]

Air pressure? Yes, sir. When you do this, you take this Hawk plastic constellation, a 300 mile an hour airplane, home and building. And that's a beautiful airplane. Mom's gonna let you put it right on the dining room table or the buffet. But you build it after you've done your good turn for the day, won't you?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Yes, sir.

[Hugh Downs]

Okay. Thank you. Hugh Downs, do you have a little briefing for the pilot?

[Uncle Ned]

I sure have, Uncle Ned. Pilots, if you haven't joined the squadron yet, you'd better do it today. As the squadron grows, the surprises will grow. And there'll be lots of ways that you pilots at home can participate in our meetings. We've got some swell things in mind for the members, so be sure that you are a member. And mom and dad, we hope that you approve of a program like this for your children. We want it to be good for them. If you do approve of it, Uncle Ned would like a card or letter from you. Your ideas and suggestions will be appreciated and respected. We'd like to have you accompany your children to the ready room whenever you want to and whenever you can. WMAQ is an Interesting place to spend a Saturday morning. Believe me. Don't let another day go by without joining the squadron, kids. Okay, Uncle Ned, the controls are yours again.

[Hugh Downs]

Thanks. You pilots, here's something for you. If it's your birthday today, from all of us to all of you, whoever you are and wherever you are, happy birthday. If your birthday is today, you celebrate it on a great day. November 11th commemorates the end of World War I. And at 11 o' clock on November 11th, 1918, the armistice was signed, bringing to an end the worst conflict the world had known. 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. If you were born on November 11, Armistice Day, you were born on a day the world will never forget.

[Uncle Ned]

Well now, Uncle Ned, it looks to me by the clock here in the studio that it's just about story time.

[Hugh Downs]

This is the story of Jimmy Mattern, a first rate pilot. Jimmy Mattern was a famous flyer and he held several records. In 1933, he was going to fly around the world in an attempt to beat the record that Wiley Post had established. On June 3, 1933, Jimmy Mattern took off from Floyd Bennett Field in New York for Oslo, Norway, the first leg of his trip around the world. The first 1200 miles of his trip was blessed with good weather and after checking his position carefully at Newfoundland, he headed out across the deep Atlantic Ocean. He was flying at 8,000ft and he remembered that the weather bureau in New York had told him to expect icing conditions when he got out over the ocean. In those days they didn't have de icer boots on planes and he knew that if he encountered ice he'd be in trouble. He climbed up to 11,000ft up where he was above the clouds that held a dangerous ice. As evening approached, he saw signs of bad weather ahead. Huge clouds piled high in the sky like big mountains. He put the Lockheed in a climb. He'd have to go over the clouds. The plane did its best, but it couldn't reach the top. Jimmy Mattern had to fly blind through the clouds. And to make matters worse, it was nighttime now. He plunged into the black clouds and hoped for the best. Five minutes later, sleet was hitting his windshield and the dangerous ice started to form on the Lockheed. He kept going as long as he could, and when the plane was so heavy it wouldn't stay in the air another minute, he pushed forward on the control wheel and put the plane in a power dive. Down, down. To where he hoped he could find warmer air to melt the ice. He shoved the plane down 10,000ft, and as he did so, he picked up speed. He was going so fast that he felt the plane would pull apart. Down he went, and at 2,000ft, the ice had melted. Now he had to level out, and he didn't have much time to do it. He could feel the cold waves of the Atlantic reaching for the bottom of the plane as he pulled back hard on the control wheel. As he pulled back on the wheel, he heard a crack that sounded like a cannon going off, and he knew that the strain had caused a wing to crack. Jimmy Maddern looked at the wings. One of them had cracked, but it must have been a small crack because the wings were still holding on. Oh. He said a quick prayer as he wiped the sweat off his face. He might have been up in the ice, but Jimmy Maddern was sweating. By this time he was down to 300ft above the ocean and the water looked black and forbidding. His plane kept fighting ahead, and Jimmy Maddern said a thank you prayer. The ice had disappeared and the wing was holding. He was still flying on instruments, but if nothing else happened, he thought he could make it. He relaxed, took a big drink of milk, and put his plane in a climb. He wanted more distance between him and the ocean now that the clouds had gone up. He climbed to 6,000ft and was cruising along peacefully when, without warning, his engine quit. He was in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and his engine had quit him. Jimmy Maddern checked everything he could think of to find the trouble. He pushed and pulled on the throttle, frantically, trying to get the engine going. The stubborn engine refused to start, so he put the plane in a shallow glide. He'd stretch his glide as far as he could and stay up as long as he could. He knew it wouldn't be long, though, before he'd hit the black water and Jimmy Mattern prepared to die. He'd been working the throttle back and forth all the way down, and when he was only a few feet from the ocean, the engine backfired. It backfired so hard the whole plane shook. Again and again it backfired, and suddenly the dead engine had come to life. Jimmy Mattern had been saved from a watery grave. The plane ran smoothly the rest of the trip. So good, in fact, that he didn't even land at Oslo like he'd planned, but went on to Moscow. When he landed at Moscow, he discovered why his engine had quit. A piece of cloth, a small piece, had found its way into the gas line and had plugged it up by pushing and pulling the throttle. He'd forced the cloth out of the line, enabling the engine to again get fuel. Jimmy Mattern was a good pilot and he still is today. His factory in California is making instruments for pilots and planes. Tools that make flying safer and more useful to more people. Jimmy Mattern a first rate pilot. Well, co pilot downs. Let's see if some of these alert pilots can answer some questions.

[Uncle Ned]

Here's a young pilot right here, Uncle.

[Hugh Downs]

Yes sir. And he looks like he's going to be a pullback too. He's a husky boy. What's your name? Garland Hunter. How old are you? Thirteen. Thirteen years old. What school do you go to? Deer. Did you listen to that story real close? Yes sir, that story of Jimmy Madder. All right, tell me this. What happened to one of the wings when Jimmy Maddern pulled out of that dive? Look at those hands in the rail. What was it?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Crash?

[Hugh Downs]

Yes sir, the wing crash. You bet. And will you do this? You take this Comet model P2 invader home. You build it for me after you've shoveled the walk. Because we're going to have some snow one of these days. And you be the chief snow shoveler at your house.

[Uncle Ned]

Here's another man anxious for a question, Uncle. Well good, I can answer.

[Hugh Downs]

I'll bet he can. I'm anxious to ask it too. What's your name?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Frederick Young.

[Hugh Downs]

How old are you, Frederick?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

12.

[Hugh Downs]

You're 12 years old? And where do you live? Have you ever been up in an airplane? You haven't? But you listened to that story about Jimmy Maddern, didn't you? And believe me, he's a fellow that's been up in an airplane. Oh, he's a great pilot. Tell me this. Why wouldn't Jimmy Maddern's airplane stay up in the air? What was it?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

The engine has stopped running.

[Hugh Downs]

No, before that. Before that. Remember he climbed up to 11.

[Various Cadet Pilots]

The ice was taking.

[Hugh Downs]

That's right. Yes siree. The ice made it so heavy the airplane wouldn't fly. You take this, this Hawk plastic Constellation home. Build it when you have time. And when you build it after you've built it, bring it down and show it to me, will ya? Okay, thank you.

[Uncle Ned]

Got a real sharp Cub Scout.

[Hugh Downs]

Oh, say, isn't he a good looking fella? Hi there little fella with the butch haircut and the blonde hair. What's your name?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Jimmy Cunningham.

[Hugh Downs]

Well, Jimmy, where do you live?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

It's 18 Northwest Street.

[Hugh Downs]

Northwest Street. Where?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

In Wheaton?

[Hugh Downs]

Illinois? In Wheaton, Illinois. Well, you know, that's right near St. Charles. I used to land at Benny Howard's airport over there at St. Charles where he made the fine Howard aeroplanes. I wonder. I wish I would have seen you sometime when I landed there. Maybe I will again and I'll get a chance to look you up. Tell me this. What did Jimmy Maren do? What did he frantically do when his engine quit? Remember? The engine quit and he did something oh, so frantically.

[Various Cadet Pilots]

He pulled. He pulled back the wheel.

[Hugh Downs]

Well, no, no, that was when he went to level out. Oh, look at all those pilots in the ready room trying to answer this.

[Uncle Ned]

Try for just a little longer, Control. What are you calling now?

[Hugh Downs]

Oh, I'm sorry. But I'll bet you could have gotten the other ones. I'm sorry. Here, here. Here comes a boy. Will you come right up here? Yes, sir. Come right up here real quick. What's your name?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Melvin. Melvin.

[Hugh Downs]

And where do you live?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

4818 North Hamlin.

[Hugh Downs]

All right, you tell me. What did he frantically do when his engine quit?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

He kept pulling the clutch or whatever it was, back and forth.

[Hugh Downs]

Well, he kept the. That isn't quite right. I'm sorry. The airplane doesn't have a clutch. You're thinking of a car that has a clutch. What's your name?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Eugene Gutierrez.

[Hugh Downs]

Eugene, how old are you?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

I'm 12.

[Hugh Downs]

You're 12 years old? What did Jimmy Maddern frantically do?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

He was pushing.

[Hugh Downs]

Yes, sir, he was pushing and pulling on the throttle. Will you do this? You take this Comet a Ronka home, build it and have a lot of fun, will you? Okay. Oh, see, there's another phone call. I'll have to get that phone. Yes, sir. Hello, operator? This is Uncle Ned. Do you have another pilot for me, Clyde Holmes? Well, will you put him on? Hello, Clyde. This is Uncle Ned of Uncle ned's squadron at WMAQ. How are you, Clyde Holmes? How old are you? 13 years old. And where do you live? Wautoma, Wisconsin. Oh, good. Did you like that story about Jimmy Mattern? All right, tell me this. What caused Jimmy Mattern's engine to stop? A small piece of cloth. You're right. You're 100% right. Listen to those kids in the ready room clapping for you. We're gonna send you an airplane. We're gonna send you an airplane in the mail this afternoon. Be a real good boy with you, Clyde Holmes. Do you like aeroplanes? Oh, swell. If you ever are, if you're ever in Chicago on Saturday morning, stop into the ready room. Will ya? Okay. Thank you, Clyde Holmes. Oh, say, we've got one more question, Hugh.

[Uncle Ned]

All right. We got another pilot here.

[Hugh Downs]

Well good. What's your name?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Ray Hickman.

[Hugh Downs]

Ray Hickman. How old are you, Ray?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

10.

[Hugh Downs]

Where do you live?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

1347 too.

[Hugh Downs]

Say, you got a nice husky voice for a 10 year old boy. You betcha. Tell me this, in what year was the armistice signed that we're celebrating today? In what year? It's kind of a hard question for a 10 year old boy, but I'll bet you can do it. You don't know? Well, you sure gave an awful good cry.

[Uncle Ned]

Here's one more cub scout he might know.

[Hugh Downs]

All right, what's your name?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Dennis Howard.

[Hugh Downs]

From where?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Wheaton, Illinois.

[Hugh Downs]

All right, Dennis from Wheaton, tell me, what year was the armistice sign that we're celebrating today? Oh, I'm sorry, but I'm going to. Do you suppose I should tell them co pilots? I'll tell them it was 1918. Well, co pilot downs. Let's have a sharp pilot come up here and give us the memory from memory the qualifications, shall we?

[Uncle Ned]

Got the man right here. His name's Jerry Cohen. Uncle Ned.

[Hugh Downs]

Jerry Cohen. Jerry, how old are you?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

11 and a half.

[Hugh Downs]

You're 11 and a half? Can you tell where do you live?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

919 Argyle.

[Hugh Downs]

All right. Can you tell me from memory the qualifications for membership in Uncle Ned's squadron?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Obeys established authority, observes the rules of health, promotes safety in the air and on the ground, keeps self clean and alert, accomplishes every mission.

[Hugh Downs]

Well, say you're just 100% right. Yes siree. And you take this common model Piper Cub home after you've done that good turn tay. Tell me, are you a tenderfoot?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

No, second class.

[Hugh Downs]

Oh, you're a second class. Well that's good. Now let's see, first class comes next. Are you almost a first class? What else do you have to do?

[Various Cadet Pilots]

Well, I got. I'm going up for the next board review.

[Hugh Downs]

Well, good and good luck to you. I hope you make it come back again. Pilots, remember that loyalty is a wonderful thing. Small people are big people when they're loyal. Come down to the ready room next Saturday morning if you can. I'd like to meet you. If you can't come down, be sure you're listening at 10. Be good kids and until next Saturday. So long pilots.

[Uncle Ned]

Well, pilots, we'll close the ready room doors on another meeting of Uncle Ned's squadron. If you haven't joined the squadron yet, be sure to do so today so that you can be an official cadet pilot and get in on all the squadron activities. You send us your name, address, age and phone number on a penny postcard. And we'll see to it that you're officially enrolled as a cadet pilot in the squadron. You'll get a swell membership card that fits in your billfold or purse. That identifies you as an aviation expert. Remember that we can only call official members on our weekly telephone call. So get your name on our phone list. For a chance at that call. Be sure your radio is tuned to the 6:70 spot on the dial. Next Saturday morning at 10, when the ready room doors open again on another meeting of Uncle Ned's squadron. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.