Uncle_Neds_Squadron_111150_Ned_talks_about_de-icer_boots

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Uncle Ned's Squadron – “Ned Talks About De-Icer Boots”

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: February 21, 2026
Host: Uncle Ned (with Co-Pilot Hugh Downs)
Episode Airdate (Original): November 11, 1950 (Armistice Day)

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Main Theme

This episode transports listeners back to the golden age of radio, gathering Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts in the WMAQ “ready room” for a spirited aviation club meeting with Uncle Ned and Co-Pilot Hugh Downs. The central focus is on introducing young cadet pilots to aviation knowledge, emphasizing the importance of loyalty, and explaining technical details—most notably, the purpose and operation of airplane de-icer boots. The show blends education, interactive Q&A, a historical aviation story, and nostalgic youth club camaraderie.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Welcome and Roll Call (00:31–02:02)

• Audience Participation: Uncle Ned welcomes Den 4 of Pack 228 (Morton Grove), Buffalo Patrol of Troop 871 (Chicago), and Pack 62, Den 9 (Wheaton). He invites children to share about their airplane experiences.
• Cub Scouts’ Stories:
  • Paul Emmert describes a flight on a four-engine DC4/DC6 to Portland, Oregon.
  • Elaine Erickson recounts a ride in her uncle’s small airplane over North Dakota farmland.
• Quote:
  • Uncle Ned (02:42): "Well, I'll bet you were up about 20,000ft. And I'll bet it had a pressurized cabin in it and everything else."

2. Weekly Mission: Loyalty (04:45–05:55)

• Lesson for Young Pilots: Emphasizes loyalty as a foundational value—toward country, family, friends, and self.
  • Uncle Ned (04:45): "Loyalty should start in the home. ...Loyalty is priceless. You can't buy it anywhere. It must come from your heart."
• Memorable Line:
  • "Your pockets may be empty, but if your heart is filled with loyalty, then you're indeed rich."

3. Hangar Flying: De-Icer Boots Explained (06:02–08:49)

• Primary Topic: Uncle Ned explains the function and critical importance of de-icer boots on large airplanes.
  • Made of rubber with elastic tubes, located on leading wing and tail edges.
  • Operate by inflating with air pressure to break off accumulated ice.
• Memorable Line:
  • Uncle Ned (07:30): "You simply push a button that forces air pressure into the tubes... The air pressure makes the thin sheet of rubber go up and down. ...The ice... breaks and blows right off the wing and tail surfaces."
• Key Points Recap: De-icer boots keep planes safe in icing conditions; they are usually black and found on leading edges.

4. Scout Q&A—Aviation Knowledge in Action (08:49–12:44; 13:43–16:16)

• Interactive Quizzing: Scouts in attendance answer questions about de-icer boots’ material, location, operation, and purpose.
  • Sample Exchanges:
    • Uncle Ned (09:12): "What are de icer boots made of?"
      Scout: "Rubber and elastic?" Uncle Ned: "Well, that's right. ...Will you take this Comet Taylor craft home, build it...?"
    • Uncle Ned (10:16): "What color do you ask me, I listen."
      Scout: "Black."
    • Uncle Ned (11:00): "What purpose do de icer boots serve?" Scout: "They take the ice off the wings and tail surfaces."
    • Uncle Ned (12:12): "Where are the de icer boots located?"
      Scout: "Wing and tail surfaces."
• Rewards: Each correct answer earns the scout a model airplane kit.
• Phone-in Segment: Remote cadets also participate in Q&A by phone, showcasing the inclusive, club-like atmosphere.

5. Joining Uncle Ned’s Squadron (16:20–17:01)

• Membership Call: Instructions for becoming a cadet pilot, with promises of prizes, camaraderie, and wholesome youth fun.

6. Armistice Day Explanation (17:01–17:57)

• History Moment: Uncle Ned notes the episode’s airdate—November 11, Armistice Day—explaining its historical significance commemorating the end of World War I.
  • Uncle Ned (17:01): “November 11th commemorates the end of World War I. And at 11 o’clock ...1918, the armistice was signed... If you were born on November 11, Armistice Day, you were born on a day the world will never forget.”

7. Story Time: The Adventure of Jimmy Mattern (18:02–23:09)

• Dramatic Aviation Tale: Uncle Ned narrates pilot Jimmy Mattern’s harrowing 1933 transatlantic flight, highlighting the dangers of icing before de-icer boots existed:
  • Encounters severe icing; must dive thousands of feet to melt the ice.
  • Plane’s wing cracks but holds; engine fails due to a blocked fuel line; survives by freeing the blockage.
  • Memorable Line:
    • Uncle Ned (18:45): "He was going so fast that he felt the plane would pull apart... As he pulled back on the wheel, he heard a crack that sounded like a cannon going off..."

8. Knowledge Check—Story Comprehension (23:09–27:37)

• Scouts Recall: More scouts answer questions about the story’s drama and lessons:
  • “What happened to one of the wings?” (It cracked)
  • “Why wouldn’t Jimmy Mattern’s plane stay up?” (Ice had made it too heavy)
  • “What did Jimmy do when his engine quit?” (Pushed and pulled the throttle)
  • “What caused the engine to fail?” (A piece of cloth in the fuel line)
• Correct answers continue to earn model planes.
• Armistice Day Quiz: Two scouts falter on the year (1918), but Uncle Ned teaches the answer.

9. Squadron Membership Qualifications Recitation (28:39–29:21)

• Scout Jerry Cohen recites the five qualifications for membership:

  • Obey established authority
  • Observe rules of health
  • Promote safety in the air and on the ground
  • Keep self clean and alert
  • Accomplish every mission well

• Uncle Ned (29:09): "Say you're just 100% right. Yes siree. And you, take this comet model Piper Cub home."

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Uncle Ned on Loyalty (04:45): “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.”
• On de-icer boots (07:30): "You simply push a button that forces air pressure into the tubes... the ice... breaks and blows right off the wing and tail surfaces.”
• Aviation Story Suspense (18:45): “He was going so fast that he felt the plane would pull apart…he heard a crack that sounded like a cannon going off, and he knew that the strain had caused a wing to crack.”
• Scout Participation: The children's responses, addresses, and excitement foster a warm, educational atmosphere reminiscent of midcentury youth radio.

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Timestamps for Major Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------|------------| | Welcome, Audience Stories | 00:31–04:02| | Weekly Mission: Loyalty | 04:45–05:55| | “Hangar Flying” (De-Icer Boots) | 06:02–08:49| | Scouts’ Q&A on De-Icer Boots | 08:49–12:44| | Remote Q&A (Phone-In) | 13:43–16:16| | Armistice Day Tribute | 17:01–17:57| | Story of Jimmy Mattern | 18:02–23:09| | Story Q&A with Scouts | 23:09–27:37| | Qualifications for Squadron Membership| 28:39–29:21|

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Tone & Style

The episode embodies vintage warmth and direct address—the host is friendly, paternal, and encouraging. The pace is brisk, filled with participation, affirmations, and generous praise for young aviators.

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Closing Thoughts

Listeners get a slice of Americana: technical learning made accessible and inspiring, historical anecdotes for context, and the joyful structure of a community club. The de-icer boots lesson, woven through Q&As and the real-life Mattern story, leaves listeners with both practical aviation knowledge and an impression of the camaraderie and optimism that defined early radio days.

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Transcript

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[Hugh Downs]

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

[Uncle Ned]

I 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, the Cub Scouts from Morton Grove, Illinois is here. And you know something, co pilot 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. I 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?

[Hugh Downs]

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

[Uncle Ned]

has had a ride. He has?

[Hugh Downs]

I found that out before.

[Uncle Ned]

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

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

909 North Cambridge.

[Uncle Ned]

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

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

What motor?

[Uncle Ned]

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

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Yeah.

[Uncle Ned]

Where did you go?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Portland, Oregon.

[Uncle Ned]

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

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

No, I don't think.

[Uncle Ned]

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 Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Yes, sir.

[Uncle Ned]

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

[Hugh Downs]

We got a young lady, too, Uncle Ned.

[Uncle Ned]

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

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Elaine Erickson.

[Uncle Ned]

Elaine, where are you from?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Chicago, Illinois.

[Uncle Ned]

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

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

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

[Uncle Ned]

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

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

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

[Uncle Ned]

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

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

He just took us over the. And seen the view from the airplane.

[Uncle Ned]

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 Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Yeah.

[Uncle Ned]

Oh, that's. Well, I'll bet you had a lot of fun, didn't you?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Yes.

[Uncle Ned]

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 Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Yes.

[Uncle Ned]

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.

[Hugh Downs]

This is f74 to uns control tower. F74 to uns control tower. Over.

[Uncle Ned]

This is uncle ned in uns control tower. Go ahead, f74.

[Hugh Downs]

F74 to uncle ned. F74 to uncle net. What's the mission for the week? What's the mission for the week?

[Uncle Ned]

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? Be loyal. Yes, sir.

[Hugh Downs]

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?

[Uncle Ned]

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 deer 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, 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?

[Hugh Downs]

No trouble at all, Uncle Ed. I got a boy scout right here.

[Uncle Ned]

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

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Philip Cowan.

[Uncle Ned]

Phil, where do you live?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

930 Angley Street.

[Uncle Ned]

How old are you?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Eleven and a half.

[Uncle Ned]

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

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Yes, sir.

[Uncle Ned]

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

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Rubber and elastic?

[Uncle Ned]

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.

[Hugh Downs]

Another boy scout, Uncle Ed.

[Uncle Ned]

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

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Ned Cowan.

[Uncle Ned]

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

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

11 and a half.

[Uncle Ned]

11 and a half. Are you a tenderfoot scout?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Yes sir.

[Uncle Ned]

And that's a boy. And I'll bet you're going all the way up to Eagle, aren't you? I'll try. 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 Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Well, I'm not too sure about sure.

[Uncle Ned]

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

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

ask me, I listen.

[Uncle Ned]

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.

[Hugh Downs]

He sure took the words right out of your mouth.

[Uncle Ned]

Well, he really did. You bet he did.

[Hugh Downs]

Here's a young fella.

[Uncle Ned]

Hi there, fella. What's your name?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Ronald Ruskin.

[Uncle Ned]

Ronnie, how old are you?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Eight and a half.

[Uncle Ned]

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

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

4803 South Laughlin.

[Uncle Ned]

I see. What school do you go to?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

St. Louis. Blyman.

[Uncle Ned]

Uh huh. You like airplanes?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Yeah.

[Uncle Ned]

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

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Yeah.

[Uncle Ned]

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 Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Yes.

[Uncle Ned]

Okay. Thank you for being a good pilot.

[Hugh Downs]

Do we have another pilot?

[Uncle Ned]

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

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Chancey Bertha.

[Uncle Ned]

What is it?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Chancey Bertha.

[Uncle Ned]

Well Johnny, how old are you?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

I'm 12.

[Uncle Ned]

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

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

I live in 57. 505.

[Uncle Ned]

Hi. And what school do you go to?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

I go to Corpus Christi.

[Uncle Ned]

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 Boy Scouts and Listeners]

They're located on the tip of the wing.

[Uncle Ned]

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

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

They're located on the wing.

[Uncle Ned]

All right, and where else? Deicer boots are on the wing and tail and the tail surfaces. Yes sir. 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.

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[Uncle Ned]

Yes sir. I'm going to have to see who 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 Wolf. Fine, 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. Oh, well, this is Uncle Ned 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 aeroplane. 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.

[Hugh Downs]

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

[Uncle Ned]

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

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Peter Ginley.

[Uncle Ned]

And where do you live?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

5036 North Kenmore.

[Uncle Ned]

Uh huh. What kind of a scout are you?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

I'm a tenderfoot scout.

[Uncle Ned]

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

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

For about a half a year.

[Uncle Ned]

Half, huh? Oh, but 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 de icer boots inflate and deflate

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

air?

[Uncle Ned]

Air pressure. Yes siree pressure. And 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 Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Yes, sir.

[Uncle Ned]

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

[Hugh Downs]

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.

[Uncle Ned]

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 celebrated 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.

[Hugh Downs]

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

[Uncle Ned]

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 3, 300ft above the ocean and the water looked black and forbidding. His plane kept fighting ahead, and Jimmy Madden 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 the 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 the 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.

[Hugh Downs]

Here's a young pilot right here, Uncle Nick.

[Uncle Ned]

Yes, sir. Ed. And he looks like he's gonna be a pullback too. He's a husky boy. What's your name?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Garland Hunter.

[Uncle Ned]

How old are you? Thirteen. Thirteen years old. What school do you go to, dear? Did you listen to that story real close? Yes, sir. That story of Jimmy Maddern. 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? Crash? 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.

[Hugh Downs]

Here's another man anxious for a question, Uncle.

[Uncle Ned]

Well, good.

[Hugh Downs]

I can answer.

[Uncle Ned]

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

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Frederick Young.

[Uncle Ned]

How old are you, Frederick?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

12.

[Uncle Ned]

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 aeroplane stay up in the air? What was it?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

The engine has stopped running.

[Uncle Ned]

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

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

The ice was taking it.

[Uncle Ned]

That's right.

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Yes, sir.

[Uncle Ned]

The ice made it so heavy the airplane wouldn't fly. You two 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.

[Hugh Downs]

Got a real sharp Cub Scout.

[Uncle Ned]

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 Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Jimmy Cunningham.

[Uncle Ned]

Well, Jimmy, where do you live?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

It's 18 Northwest Street.

[Uncle Ned]

Northwest Street? Where?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

In Wheaton, Illinois.

[Uncle Ned]

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 he pulled back the wheel 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. Try for just a little longer.

[Hugh Downs]

Another control. What are you doing?

[Uncle Ned]

Oh, I'm sorry, but I'll bet you. 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.

[Hugh Downs]

What's your name?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Melvin Novit.

[Uncle Ned]

And where do you live?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

4818 North Hamlin.

[Uncle Ned]

All right, you tell me. What did he frantically do. When his engine quit he kept pulling

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

the clutch or whatever it was back and forth.

[Uncle Ned]

Well he kept. 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 Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Eugene.

[Uncle Ned]

Oh Eugene. How old are you?

[Hugh Downs]

I'm.

[Uncle Ned]

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

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

He was pushing the throttle.

[Uncle Ned]

Yes sir, he was pushing and pulling on the throttle. Will you do this? You take this comet a Ronca home, build it and have a lot of fun, will ya? Okay. Oh say 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 Holmeswell. 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, will you Clyde Holmes? Do you like airplanes? 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 here. All right.

[Hugh Downs]

We got another pilot here.

[Uncle Ned]

Well good. What's your name?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Ray Hickman.

[Uncle Ned]

Ray Hickman. How old are you Ray?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

10.

[Uncle Ned]

Where do you live?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

1347 too.

[Uncle Ned]

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. Here's one more Cub scout Scott. He might know. All right, what's your name?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Dennis Howard.

[Uncle Ned]

From where?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Wheaton, Illinois.

[Uncle Ned]

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 gonna. Do you suppose I should tell them? I'll tell them. 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?

[Hugh Downs]

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

[Uncle Ned]

Jerry Cohen. Jerry, how old are you?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

11 and a half.

[Uncle Ned]

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

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

919 Argyle.

[Uncle Ned]

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

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

Obeys established authority, observes the rules of health, promote safety in the air and on the ground, Keeps self clean and alert, Accomplishes every mission well.

[Uncle Ned]

Say you're just 100% right. Yes siree. And you, take this comet model Piper Cub home. Build it after you've done that good turn. Say, tell me, are you a tenderfoot?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

No, second class.

[Uncle Ned]

Oh, you're a second class. Well, that's good. Now, let's see. First class comes next.

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

I'm almost a first.

[Uncle Ned]

Are you almost a first class? What else do you have to do?

[Various Boy Scouts and Listeners]

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

[Uncle Ned]

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.

[Hugh Downs]

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 670 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.

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