Class 10 English Chapter 3 Question Answer | Two Stories about Flying
Welcome to HSLC Guru. In this article, we provide a complete set of questions and answers for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 3 – Two Stories about Flying. This chapter consists of two stories: I. His First Flight by Liam O’Flaherty and II. Black Aeroplane by Frederick Forsyth. This chapter is an important part of the ASSEB (Assam State Board of Secondary Education) Class 10 English syllabus. Here you will find the summary of both stories, textbook solutions (Thinking about the Text and Thinking about the Language), additional short and long answer questions, MCQs, extract-based questions, and value-based questions to help you prepare thoroughly for your HSLC examination.
Summary of His First Flight (Part I)
“His First Flight” is a short story by Liam O’Flaherty about a young seagull who is afraid to fly for the first time. The young seagull lives on a ledge with his family. His two brothers and his sister have already learned to fly, but he is too scared to attempt it. He fears that his wings will not support him and that he will fall into the vast sea below.
His parents try everything to encourage him. They scold him, threaten him with starvation, and cajole him, but nothing works. His family eventually flies away and leaves him alone on the ledge. For twenty-four hours, the young seagull stands alone, growing increasingly hungry and desperate. He watches his family from afar as they fly, dive for fish, and rest on the green sea below.
Finally, his mother comes up with a clever strategy. She picks up a piece of fish and flies towards him, but stops just short of the ledge. The sight of the food maddens the starving seagull. Driven by desperate hunger, he dives at the fish in his mother’s beak. As he falls from the ledge, his wings spread out instinctively and he begins to fly. At first, he is terrified, but soon he realizes that his wings are supporting him. He soars, dips, and rises with the wind. His family flies around him, screaming with joy and offering him scraps of dog-fish. He even discovers that he can float on the water when he lands on the sea. The story ends with the young seagull’s triumphant first flight, celebrating the idea that courage and necessity can help one overcome even the deepest fears.
Summary of Black Aeroplane (Part II)
“Black Aeroplane” is a mysterious short story by Frederick Forsyth. The narrator is a pilot flying his old Dakota aeroplane (DS 088) from France to England. He is looking forward to spending his holiday with his family and dreaming of a big English breakfast. The weather is clear, the stars are shining, and everything seems perfect.
When he is about 150 kilometres from Paris, he sees huge storm clouds ahead. They look like enormous black mountains standing across the sky. He knows he does not have enough fuel to fly around the storm by going north or south. He contacts Paris Control on the radio, and they advise him to turn twelve degrees west. But instead of turning back to Paris, the pilot decides to take the risk and fly straight into the storm clouds because he desperately wants to reach home in time for breakfast.
Inside the storm, everything goes terribly wrong. The plane jumps and twists violently. He cannot see anything outside because the clouds are completely black. His compass stops working and starts spinning aimlessly. His other instruments, including the radio, go dead. He is lost, with only enough fuel left for five or ten minutes of flying. He feels helpless and frightened.
Suddenly, he sees another aeroplane – a black aeroplane with no lights on its wings – flying beside him in the storm. The pilot of the strange plane turns his head, and the narrator can see his face. The mysterious pilot waves his hand, signalling the narrator to follow him. With no other choice, the narrator follows the black aeroplane like “an obedient child.” After about half an hour, the black plane starts to descend, and the narrator follows. He suddenly breaks through the clouds and sees the lights of a runway ahead. He lands safely.
After landing, the narrator wants to thank the pilot of the black aeroplane. He asks the woman at the control centre about the other plane. She looks at him strangely and says, “No other aeroplane was flying that night. Yours was the only one I could see on the radar.” The identity of the mysterious pilot and the black aeroplane remains an unsolved mystery.
Part I: His First Flight – Thinking about the Text (Page 36)
Q1. Why was the young seagull afraid to fly? Do you think all young birds are afraid to make their first flight, or are some birds more timid than others? Do you think a human baby also� shark to take its first steps?
Ans: The young seagull was afraid to fly because when he looked down from the ledge, the vast expanse of the sea stretched far below him and he felt certain that his wings would never support him in the air. He feared he would fall and drown. Yes, it is natural for all young creatures to feel some hesitation when attempting something new for the first time. Some birds may indeed be more timid than others, just as some human children are bolder and more adventurous. Similarly, a human baby also hesitates before taking its first steps. The baby wobbles, falls, and is initially afraid, but with encouragement and practice, it eventually learns to walk confidently. Both situations show that the fear of the unknown is natural, but it can be overcome with courage and persistence.
Q2. “The sight of the food maddened him.” What does this suggest? What compelled the young seagull to finally fly?
Ans: This sentence suggests that the young seagull was extremely hungry and the sight of food drove him to a state of desperation. He had been starving for twenty-four hours on the ledge, and when he saw his mother approaching with a piece of fish in her beak, his hunger became unbearable. The word “maddened” shows that his hunger had reached a point where it overpowered his fear of flying. What finally compelled him to fly was this intense hunger combined with his mother’s clever strategy. She flew close to him with the fish but deliberately stopped just out of his reach. Driven mad by hunger, the young seagull dived at the fish, lost his footing on the ledge, and fell outward and downward into the air. As he fell, his wings spread out instinctively and he discovered that he could fly. Thus, it was the primal need for food – hunger – that ultimately overcame his paralysing fear and compelled him to make his first flight.
Q3. “They were beckoning to him, calling shrilly.” Why did the seagull’s father and mother threaten him and cajole him to fly?
Ans: The seagull’s father and mother threatened and cajoled him because they wanted him to overcome his fear and learn to fly. They knew that flying was an essential survival skill for a seagull and that he could not remain on the ledge forever. His two brothers and sister had already successfully learned to fly, but the young seagull was too timid to attempt it despite having larger wings than his siblings. The parents tried every method they could think of – they called to him shrilly, scolded him, upbraided him for his cowardice, and even threatened to let him starve on the ledge if he did not fly. They used both encouragement (cajoling) and tough measures (threatening starvation) because they understood that sometimes a child needs a firm push to overcome fear. Their persistence ultimately paid off when the mother’s strategy of tempting him with food finally forced him to take the plunge.
Q4. Have you ever had a similar experience, where your parents encouraged you to do something that you were too scared to try? Have you ever encouraged someone else to overcome a fear?
Ans: Yes, I have had a similar experience. When I was young, I was terrified of learning to ride a bicycle. I was afraid of falling and getting hurt. My parents kept encouraging me every day. My father would hold the back of the bicycle while I pedalled, giving me confidence. One day, without telling me, he let go of the bicycle and I continued riding on my own. When I realized I was cycling by myself, I was both shocked and thrilled. My fear had disappeared completely, replaced by a wonderful sense of achievement. I have also encouraged my younger cousin who was afraid of swimming. I held his hand, took him to the shallow end of the pool, and slowly helped him build confidence. Eventually, he learned to swim on his own. These experiences taught me that most fears are overcome through encouragement, practice, and taking that first brave step.
Q5. In the case of a bird flying, it seems a choice to act or not act. In the case of the baby or the child taking its first steps, there is no such choice. Why not?
Ans: In the case of a bird, flying does appear to be a choice because the bird is already able to stand and survive on the ledge without flying. The young seagull chose not to fly because of his fear, even though he was physically capable of it. He could have stayed on the ledge indefinitely (at least until hunger forced him). However, in the case of a baby learning to walk, there is no real choice involved. A baby’s muscles and bones develop naturally, and walking is an inevitable part of physical growth. The baby does not consciously decide to walk or not walk. The body grows, the muscles strengthen, and the baby instinctively tries to stand and take steps as part of its natural development. The baby may fall many times, but it keeps trying because it is driven by natural instinct and physical development, not by a conscious decision. The trying and effort are more important than guaranteed success, because it is through repeated attempts that the baby eventually masters the skill of walking.
Part II: Black Aeroplane – Thinking about the Text (Page 40)
Q1. “I’ll take the risk.” What is the risk? Why does the narrator take it?
Ans: The risk was flying the old Dakota aeroplane straight into the huge storm clouds. The narrator could see enormous black clouds that looked like dark mountains standing across the sky ahead of him. He knew that flying into a storm was extremely dangerous – the visibility would be zero, the plane could be tossed around violently, and his instruments could fail. He also did not have enough fuel to fly around the storm by going north or south. The safer option would have been to turn back to Paris. However, the narrator took this risk because he desperately wanted to reach England in time to be with his family. He was dreaming of his holiday and a big English breakfast. His desire to get home and be with his loved ones was so strong that it outweighed the danger of the storm. So, he made the risky decision to fly straight through the storm clouds instead of turning back.
Q2. Describe the narrator’s experience as he flew the aeroplane into the storm.
Ans: The narrator’s experience inside the storm was terrifying and harrowing. As soon as he entered the clouds, everything turned black. He could not see anything outside the aeroplane. The old Dakota started jumping and twisting violently in the air, making it extremely difficult to control. When he looked at his instruments, he discovered that his compass had stopped working – the needle was just spinning round and round uselessly. His other instruments, including the radio, were also dead. He tried to contact Paris Control on the radio but got no response – it was completely silent. He was now lost in the storm, unable to see, unable to navigate, and with barely enough fuel to fly for another five or ten minutes. He was scared and felt completely helpless. Then, suddenly, he saw a black aeroplane with no lights flying next to him through the storm. The mysterious pilot waved at him and signalled him to follow. With no other option, the narrator followed the black plane like an obedient child. After about thirty minutes, the black plane began to go down, and the narrator followed. He came out of the clouds and saw the runway lights below. He landed safely, but the mysterious black aeroplane had vanished completely.
Q3. Why does the narrator say, “I landed and was not sorry to walk away from the old Dakota”?
Ans: The narrator says this because his experience inside the storm had been absolutely terrifying. His plane had been jumping and twisting violently, all his instruments had failed, his radio had gone dead, and he had been completely lost in the pitch-black storm clouds with barely any fuel left. He had genuinely feared for his life during those dreadful minutes. After going through such a harrowing and life-threatening experience, he was simply relieved to have landed safely and to be back on solid ground. Walking away from the Dakota meant walking away from the nightmare he had just survived. He was grateful to be alive and was not sorry to leave behind the old plane that had been at the mercy of the terrible storm.
Q4. What made the woman in the control centre look at the narrator strangely?
Ans: The woman in the control centre looked at the narrator strangely because of his claim that another aeroplane had guided him through the storm. When the narrator landed safely and went to the control centre, he asked the woman who the other pilot was and wanted to thank him for saving his life. The woman was puzzled and surprised because her radar had shown only one aircraft in the sky that night – the narrator’s Dakota. There was no other aeroplane flying in the storm. No second plane had appeared on her radar screen at all. She could not explain how another pilot could have guided the narrator when no other plane existed. This contradiction between what the narrator experienced (following a black aeroplane to safety) and what the radar showed (only one plane in the sky) made the woman look at the narrator with a strange, bewildered expression.
Q5. Who do you think helped the narrator to reach safely? Discuss this among yourselves and give reasons for your answer.
Ans: The identity of the mysterious helper remains an unsolved mystery, and the story deliberately leaves it open to interpretation. There are several possibilities. First, it could have been a supernatural or divine intervention – some unseen force guiding the narrator to safety in his moment of greatest need. Second, it could have been the narrator’s own subconscious mind or survival instinct creating an imaginary guide. When people are in extreme danger, the mind sometimes creates visions or hallucinations that help them focus and survive. The narrator was desperate, lost, and running out of fuel, and perhaps his subconscious projected the image of a guiding pilot to keep him calm and focused enough to navigate through the storm. Third, it could have been some mysterious, unexplainable phenomenon that science cannot account for. What is certain is that the radar showed no other plane, the woman at the control centre had no explanation, and the narrator himself was left wondering who had saved him. The mystery of the black aeroplane remains unsolved, which is the beauty and power of the story.
Thinking about the Language (Page 40)
I. Study the Sentences and Meanings of “Black”
Q1. Look at these sentences taken from the lesson you have just read. In each sentence, the word “black” has a different meaning. Match the sentences with their meanings below:
| Sentence | Meaning of “Black” |
|---|---|
| “Go back, Paris; go back.” But I couldn’t go back. I was lost in the black storm. | Dark and threatening |
| The face of the pilot in the other plane was turned towards me. I could see his face was black. | Angry or hostile expression |
| “Your hands and face are absolutely black.” | Dirty, covered with dust or grime |
| The taxi-driver gave Ratan a black look. | Angry, disapproving expression |
| It is one of the blackest crimes against humanity. | Darkest, cruellest, most wicked |
| Harold Pinter’s black comedy | Dark, gloomy, morbid humour |
| Some shopkeepers were found hoarding essential goods to sell them in the black market. | Illegal trade, selling at higher than permitted prices |
| He was beaten black and blue. | Severely beaten, covered with bruises |
II. Look at These Words
Q2. Try to guess the meanings of the word “fly” in the phrases given below. Use each phrase in a sentence of your own.
(i) fly a flag – To display a flag on a pole or mast.
Sentence: On Independence Day, every school in the country flies the national flag with pride.
(ii) fly into a rage – To suddenly become very angry.
Sentence: The teacher flew into a rage when she found out that the students had cheated in the examination.
(iii) fly along – To move very quickly.
Sentence: The sports car flew along the highway at tremendous speed.
(iv) fly high – To be very successful and ambitious.
Sentence: After winning the national science competition, Rajan was flying high with confidence and joy.
(v) fly the coop – To escape or run away from a place.
Sentence: The prisoners managed to fly the coop before the guards noticed their absence.
Additional Short Answer Questions (2-3 Marks)
His First Flight
Q1. How long had the young seagull been alone on the ledge?
Ans: The young seagull had been alone on the ledge for twenty-four hours. His two brothers and his sister had already flown away the day before, and his parents had left him there to force him to attempt flying on his own.
Q2. Why did the young seagull not go with his brothers and sister?
Ans: The young seagull did not go with his brothers and sister because he was too afraid to fly. Whenever he looked down from the ledge, he saw the vast expanse of the sea far below him and felt terrified. He was convinced that his wings would never support him, and he feared that he would fall and drown.
Q3. What were the seagull’s parents teaching his brothers and sister?
Ans: The seagull’s parents were teaching his brothers and sister to perfect the art of flight. They were teaching them how to skim the waves, how to dive for fish, and how to fly properly. His older brother had even caught his first herring and was devouring it while standing on a rock, which made the young seagull even more hungry.
Q4. Why did the seagull’s family call him a coward?
Ans: The seagull’s family called him a coward because he was afraid to fly despite having perfectly functional wings. In fact, his wings were even larger and broader than those of his brothers and sister, yet he refused to make any attempt to fly. While his siblings had bravely learned to fly, he remained cowering on the ledge out of fear.
Q5. What did the young seagull do to attract his mother’s attention?
Ans: The young seagull tried to attract his mother’s attention by standing on one leg with the other leg hidden under his wing. He closed one eye and pretended to be falling asleep. He also let out a loud, desperate cry when he saw her picking up a piece of fish, hoping she would come and feed him.
Q6. How did the seagull’s mother trick him into making his first flight?
Ans: The seagull’s mother picked up a piece of fish and flew towards him. The young seagull screamed with joy, thinking she was going to feed him. However, she stopped just short of the ledge, hovering in the air with the fish almost within his reach but not quite close enough. Maddened by hunger, the seagull dived at the fish, lost his balance, and fell off the ledge. As he fell, his wings spread out instinctively and he began to fly.
Q7. How did the young seagull feel when he began to fly?
Ans: When the young seagull first began to fly, he was terrified. He felt a monstrous terror seize him and his heart stood still. He could hear nothing and felt his wings cut through the air. But this terror lasted only a moment. The next instant, he felt his wings spread outward and the wind rushed against his breast feathers. He was soaring gradually downward and upward, and he was no longer afraid. He let out a joyful scream as he realized he was actually flying.
Q8. How did the seagull’s family celebrate his first flight?
Ans: The seagull’s entire family was overjoyed when he finally flew. His father, mother, brothers, and sister flew around him, screaming shrilly with happiness and praising him. They swooped around him curveting and banking and soaring and diving. His mother swooped past him and he could hear the swish of her wings. When he landed on the sea, his family landed around him and offered him scraps of dog-fish to eat, celebrating his achievement.
Q9. How did the young seagull discover that he could float on the sea?
Ans: After his first flight, the young seagull was exhausted and his legs were tired. As he flew over the sea, his legs sank into it. He screamed with fright and tried to rise again, flapping his wings. But he was too tired and too weak with hunger to rise. His feet sank into the green sea, then his belly touched it, and he sank no further. He was floating on the sea. He discovered that the water was holding him up and he would not sink. His family was on the sea around him, celebrating and offering him food.
Q10. What is the main theme of the story “His First Flight”?
Ans: The main theme of “His First Flight” is overcoming fear through courage and necessity. The story teaches that fear is a natural emotion but it should not prevent us from trying new things. The young seagull was physically capable of flying but was held back by his fear. It was only when hunger became stronger than his fear that he finally took the plunge. The story also highlights the role of family support and encouragement in helping individuals overcome their fears and achieve their potential.
Q11. What role did hunger play in the seagull’s first flight?
Ans: Hunger played a crucial and decisive role in the seagull’s first flight. It was the strongest motivating force that finally overcame his paralysing fear of flying. After being starved for twenty-four hours, the seagull’s hunger became so intense that it overpowered all his other emotions, including fear. When his mother appeared with a piece of fish and deliberately kept it just out of his reach, his “maddened” hunger drove him to dive at the food without thinking about the consequences. This impulsive dive off the ledge triggered his instinctive ability to fly. Without the desperate hunger, the seagull might never have attempted his first flight.
Q12. Could the young seagull have reached his family without flying? Give reasons.
Ans: No, the young seagull could not have reached his family without flying. He was stuck on a narrow ledge on a steep cliff. There were sheer cliffs dropping down into the sea on both sides of his ledge, so he could not climb down. A deep, wide crack in the rock separated him from the plateau where his family rested, so he could not walk across. The cliff above him was too high and steep to climb. His ledge was isolated, and the only way off it was by flying. Flight was his only option to escape and rejoin his family.
Black Aeroplane
Q13. What was the narrator’s destination and why was he eager to reach there?
Ans: The narrator’s destination was England. He was flying from France across the English Channel to reach home. He was eager to reach there because he wanted to spend his holiday with his family. He was dreaming of a big English breakfast and looking forward to being with his loved ones. This eagerness to reach home made him take the dangerous risk of flying through the storm instead of turning back to Paris.
Q14. What did the storm clouds look like? Why did the narrator not turn back?
Ans: The storm clouds looked like huge black mountains standing across the sky in front of the narrator. They were enormous, dark, and threatening. The narrator did not turn back to Paris because he desperately wanted to reach England in time for breakfast with his family. Even though he knew the storm was dangerous and he did not have enough fuel to fly around it, his desire to get home was stronger than his caution. He decided to take the risk and fly straight through the storm.
Q15. What happened to the narrator’s instruments inside the storm?
Ans: Inside the storm, all of the narrator’s instruments failed one by one. First, his compass stopped working and the needle began spinning round and round uselessly. Then his other instruments also went dead. When he tried to contact Paris Control on his radio, there was no response – the radio had also stopped working. He was left without any means of navigation or communication, completely lost inside the pitch-black storm clouds with barely five or ten minutes of fuel remaining.
Q16. Describe the black aeroplane that appeared in the storm.
Ans: The black aeroplane appeared suddenly in the storm clouds beside the narrator’s Dakota. It was completely black in colour and had no lights on its wings. Despite having no lights, the narrator could see the pilot’s face turned towards him. The pilot of the black aeroplane waved his hand and gestured the narrator to follow him. The plane flew steadily through the storm and eventually led the narrator down through the clouds to a safe landing. After the narrator landed, the black aeroplane had completely disappeared, and the control tower confirmed that no other aeroplane had been on the radar that night.
Q17. How much fuel did the narrator have when he was inside the storm?
Ans: When the narrator checked his fuel gauge inside the storm, he found that he had only enough fuel left to fly for five or ten minutes. This was extremely alarming because he was lost with no working instruments, no radio contact, and no way of knowing where the nearest airport was. The critically low fuel added to the desperation of his situation and made the appearance of the guiding black aeroplane even more crucial for his survival.
Q18. Why did the narrator follow the black aeroplane without question?
Ans: The narrator followed the black aeroplane without question because he had absolutely no other option. He was completely lost inside the storm – his compass, radio, and all instruments had failed. He could not see anything outside the plane, he was running out of fuel, and he had no idea which direction to go. When the mysterious pilot appeared and gestured him to follow, it was like a lifeline thrown to a drowning man. The narrator followed the black plane “like an obedient child” because it was his only hope of survival in that desperate situation.
Additional Long Answer Questions (5-6 Marks)
His First Flight
Q1. Describe the young seagull’s transformation from a fearful bird to a confident flyer. What does this teach us about overcoming our fears?
Ans: The young seagull’s transformation is remarkable and inspiring. At the beginning of the story, he is a timid, fearful bird who refuses to fly despite having large, strong wings. He watches his brothers and sister fly away while he remains alone on the ledge, paralysed by fear. He is convinced that his wings cannot support him and that he will fall into the sea. His family scolds him, threatens him with starvation, and calls him a coward, but nothing can make him take the plunge.
However, twenty-four hours of isolation and starvation begin to change him. Hunger gnaws at him relentlessly. When his mother flies towards him with a piece of fish and stops just out of reach, his desperate hunger overwhelms his fear. He dives at the food without thinking and finds himself falling through the air. In that terrifying moment of free fall, his instincts take over – his wings spread out, catch the wind, and he is flying. The terror lasts only an instant before it is replaced by exhilaration. He soars, dips, curves, and banks in the air. He even learns to float on the water.
This transformation teaches us several important lessons about overcoming fear. First, fear is often irrational – the seagull was perfectly capable of flying but his mind told him otherwise. Second, sometimes we need an external push or motivation to overcome our fears. Third, once we face our fears and take that first step, we often discover that the fear was far worse than the reality. Fourth, family support and encouragement play a vital role in helping us overcome obstacles. The story is a powerful metaphor for all the “first flights” in our lives – whether it is learning to swim, speaking in public, or starting a new job.
Q2. Discuss the role of the seagull’s family in helping him learn to fly. Were their methods justified?
Ans: The seagull’s family played a crucial role in helping him learn to fly, and they used a variety of methods ranging from gentle encouragement to tough love. Initially, his parents beckoned to him and called to him shrilly, encouraging him to fly. When that did not work, they scolded him and upbraided him for his cowardice. They even threatened to let him starve on the ledge if he did not attempt to fly. His father and mother came around and called to him repeatedly, trying everything they could think of.
When scolding and threats also failed, the mother came up with a brilliant strategy. She picked up a piece of fish and flew towards the ledge, knowing that her son was desperately hungry. She deliberately stopped just short of him, keeping the fish tantalisingly close but out of reach. This was the trick that finally worked – driven mad by hunger, the young seagull dived at the food and accidentally launched himself into flight.
Were their methods justified? Yes, they were. The parents understood that their son had the physical ability to fly but was being held back entirely by irrational fear. They had already tried gentle encouragement, and it had not worked. They knew that the seagull could not survive on the ledge forever and that flying was essential for his survival. Sometimes, tough love is necessary. By threatening starvation and then using the fish as bait, the mother forced her son into a situation where his survival instinct overpowered his fear. The result was success – the seagull not only learned to fly but discovered joy in it. The family’s methods, though seemingly harsh, were driven by love and concern for their child’s wellbeing and future.
Q3. “Hunger is the best teacher.” How does this proverb apply to the story “His First Flight”?
Ans: The proverb “Hunger is the best teacher” perfectly captures the central lesson of “His First Flight.” Throughout the story, the young seagull’s family tries numerous methods to make him fly – encouragement, scolding, threats, and cajoling. None of these succeed because his fear of flying is stronger than any emotional appeal. However, when physical hunger enters the picture, everything changes.
The seagull had been starving for twenty-four hours. He had eaten nothing except a few dried scraps of food he found on the ledge. When he saw his mother approaching with a piece of fish, “the sight of the food maddened him.” His hunger had become so intense that it was like a fire burning inside him, overpowering every other sensation, including fear. When his mother stopped just short of him, he was driven to the point of madness by his need for food. Without thinking about consequences, without considering his fear, he lunged at the fish and found himself flying.
This shows that basic survival needs – like hunger – are more powerful than psychological fears. When the body’s need for food became desperate enough, it overrode the mind’s irrational fear of flying. The seagull’s mother understood this instinctively, which is why she used food as the final tool to push her son into the air. The story demonstrates that sometimes the strongest motivation comes not from external encouragement but from our most basic, primal needs. Hunger taught the seagull what no amount of scolding or cajoling could – that he was capable of flying, and that his fear had been baseless all along.
Q4. What message does Liam O’Flaherty convey through the story “His First Flight”? How is it relevant to our lives?
Ans: Through “His First Flight,” Liam O’Flaherty conveys several powerful messages that are deeply relevant to our everyday lives. The primary message is that fear is natural but should not be allowed to control our actions and prevent us from reaching our potential. The young seagull was born with wings meant for flying, yet his fear kept him grounded. Similarly, all of us have untapped abilities and potential that we may not explore because of fear – fear of failure, fear of the unknown, or fear of embarrassment.
The second message is about the importance of taking the first step. The seagull’s first flight was triggered by a single moment of action – diving at the fish. Once he took that first step, everything fell into place naturally. His wings worked, the wind supported him, and he discovered the joy of flying. In our lives too, the hardest part of any new endeavour is taking the first step. Once we begin, we often find that things are not as difficult or frightening as we imagined.
The third message is about the role of family and tough love. The seagull’s parents did not give up on him. They used every method available, including tough love, to push him towards success. Sometimes, we need a push from our loved ones to overcome our limitations.
This story is relevant to students facing examinations, professionals starting new careers, entrepreneurs launching businesses, or anyone facing a new challenge. It reminds us that we are all capable of “flying” – we just need to overcome our fear and take that first leap of faith.
Black Aeroplane
Q5. Narrate the narrator’s complete experience from the time he saw the storm clouds until he landed safely. What made the experience mysterious?
Ans: The narrator’s experience was both terrifying and deeply mysterious. It began when he was about 150 kilometres from Paris, flying his old Dakota aeroplane towards England on a clear night. Suddenly, he saw enormous storm clouds ahead that looked like black mountains in the sky. He had to make a quick decision. He could not fly over the clouds because they were too high. He did not have enough fuel to go around them by flying north or south. The sensible option was to turn back to Paris, but his desire to reach home and family was too strong. He decided to take the risk and fly straight into the storm.
Inside the storm, the situation quickly became desperate. Everything turned pitch black. His Dakota was tossed around violently, jumping and twisting in the fierce winds. His compass needle spun uselessly, and all his instruments went dead one by one. His radio produced only silence when he tried calling Paris Control. He was lost, blind, and running out of fuel with only five to ten minutes of flying time left.
Then came the mysterious part. Out of nowhere, a black aeroplane appeared beside him in the storm – an aeroplane with no lights on its wings. The pilot turned his head and the narrator could see his face. The mysterious pilot waved, signalling him to follow. With no other choice, the narrator obeyed like “an obedient child.” For thirty minutes, he followed the black plane through the terrible storm. Finally, the black aeroplane descended, and the narrator followed it down. He burst through the clouds and saw the runway lights. He landed safely.
What made it mysterious was the ending. When the narrator went to the control centre to thank the other pilot, the woman said no other aeroplane was flying that night – only his Dakota appeared on the radar. The mysterious black aeroplane and its pilot had vanished without a trace, leaving no evidence of their existence. This unexplained rescue is what makes the story a compelling mystery.
Q6. “The Black Aeroplane” is a story about courage, hope, and mystery. Explain with reference to the story.
Ans: “The Black Aeroplane” beautifully weaves together themes of courage, hope, and mystery. Each element is integral to the story’s power and meaning.
Courage: The narrator demonstrates remarkable courage throughout the story. First, he makes the brave (though risky) decision to fly through the storm rather than return to the safety of Paris. Even though he knows the danger, his determination to reach his family drives him forward. Inside the storm, when everything goes wrong – instruments failing, visibility zero, fuel running out – he does not panic completely. He keeps trying to fly the plane, keeps calling on the radio, and when the mysterious black aeroplane appears, he has the courage to follow it into the unknown.
Hope: Hope is a constant thread in the story. The narrator’s hope of reaching home and family is what makes him take the risk in the first place. Inside the storm, even when his situation seems hopeless, the appearance of the black aeroplane rekindles his hope. He follows it with the hope that it will lead him to safety – and it does. The story suggests that even in the darkest moments, when all seems lost, hope can appear from unexpected sources.
Mystery: The mystery of the black aeroplane is the most striking element of the story. Who was the pilot? Where did the plane come from? How could it fly without lights in a storm? Why did the radar not detect it? Where did it disappear to after the narrator landed? These questions remain unanswered, giving the story a supernatural quality. The control tower woman’s confirmation that no other plane was flying that night deepens the mystery. Whether the black aeroplane was a supernatural helper, a figment of the narrator’s desperate imagination, or something else entirely is left for the reader to decide.
Q7. Compare the two stories in this chapter. What common themes connect “His First Flight” and “Black Aeroplane”?
Ans: Although “His First Flight” and “Black Aeroplane” are very different stories – one about a bird and the other about a human pilot – they share several common themes that connect them under the title “Two Stories about Flying.”
Fear and Courage: Both stories deal with characters who face tremendous fear in situations involving flight. The young seagull is terrified of flying for the first time, while the narrator of “Black Aeroplane” faces the terror of being lost in a deadly storm with failing instruments. Both characters must summon courage to survive their ordeals.
Taking Risks: Both characters take significant risks. The seagull risks falling from the ledge when he dives at the fish, and the pilot risks his life by flying into the storm. In both cases, the risk ultimately leads to a positive outcome – the seagull learns to fly, and the pilot lands safely.
Help from Others: In both stories, the protagonists receive help. The seagull’s mother devises a strategy to push him into flying, while the mysterious pilot of the black aeroplane guides the narrator to safety. Both stories emphasize that help can come from unexpected sources and in unexpected ways.
Overcoming Adversity: Both characters face adverse circumstances – the seagull faces isolation, hunger, and fear, while the pilot faces a storm, instrument failure, and dwindling fuel. Both overcome these challenges through a combination of inner strength and external help.
The Joy of Success: Both stories end on a positive note – the seagull celebrates his first flight with his family, and the pilot lands safely. The relief and joy of overcoming a challenge is a common emotional thread in both narratives.
Q8. Do you think the narrator of “Black Aeroplane” made the right decision by flying into the storm? What would you have done in his place?
Ans: The narrator’s decision to fly into the storm was risky and, from a practical standpoint, unwise. He had the option of turning back to Paris, where he could have landed safely and waited for the storm to pass. He knew the storm was dangerous, he could see the massive black clouds ahead, and he did not have enough fuel to navigate around them. The sensible, cautious decision would have been to return to Paris and try again later.
However, it is important to understand the narrator’s state of mind. He was eagerly looking forward to his holiday. He was dreaming of his family and a big English breakfast. His emotional desire to reach home clouded his rational judgment. The pull of family and home was so strong that he was willing to take a life-threatening risk. While his decision turned out well in the end (largely due to the mysterious help from the black aeroplane), it could easily have ended in tragedy. If the black aeroplane had not appeared, he would have been completely lost in the storm with no fuel, no instruments, and no way to navigate – a potentially fatal situation.
In his place, I would have chosen to turn back to Paris. No breakfast or holiday is worth risking one’s life. Safety should always come first, and the narrator was lucky that he received mysterious help. The story serves as a reminder that we should not let our emotions override common sense and safety considerations, even when our desires are strong.
Q9. Explain the significance of the title “Two Stories about Flying.” How does flying serve as a metaphor in both stories?
Ans: The title “Two Stories about Flying” is significant on multiple levels. On the surface, both stories are literally about flying – one about a bird’s first flight and the other about a pilot’s flight through a storm. However, flying serves as a powerful metaphor in both stories, giving the title deeper meaning.
In “His First Flight,” flying is a metaphor for overcoming fear and taking the first step towards independence. The young seagull’s reluctance to fly represents the hesitation we all feel when facing new challenges. His eventual flight symbolises the liberation that comes from conquering our fears. Just as the seagull discovers the joy of flying once he overcomes his terror, we too discover our hidden strengths and abilities when we dare to step out of our comfort zones.
In “Black Aeroplane,” flying is a metaphor for life’s unpredictable journey. The smooth flight at the beginning represents the comfortable, predictable parts of life. The storm represents the unexpected challenges and crises that we all face. The failing instruments represent the moments when our usual resources and knowledge fail us. The mysterious black aeroplane represents the unexpected help that sometimes appears from unknown sources during our darkest moments.
Together, the two stories present a complete picture of life’s journey – the first step of courage (the seagull) and the navigation through unexpected storms with faith and hope (the pilot). The title unites two very different stories through the common thread of flying, making it both literal and metaphorical.
Q10. “Never lose hope in difficult situations.” How does “The Black Aeroplane” illustrate this message?
Ans: “The Black Aeroplane” powerfully illustrates the message that one should never lose hope, even in the most desperate situations. The narrator finds himself in an increasingly hopeless situation – trapped in a violent storm, unable to see, with all instruments dead and fuel running out. By all rational assessment, his situation is dire and the chances of survival seem slim.
Yet, the narrator does not give up. He continues flying, continues trying to call Paris Control on the dead radio, and keeps looking for a way out. It is at this darkest moment that help arrives in the form of the mysterious black aeroplane. The other pilot guides him through the storm and leads him safely to the runway. The message is clear – when the narrator was at his lowest point, when everything seemed lost, unexpected help appeared and saved him.
The story suggests that life often works this way. When we face our worst crises – be it in examinations, career, relationships, or health – and feel that all hope is lost, something unexpected can turn things around. The key is to keep going, to not surrender to despair. The narrator survived not just because of the mysterious plane, but also because he had the will to keep flying, to keep searching for a way out. If he had given up and stopped trying, even the black aeroplane’s guidance would not have saved him. The story teaches us that maintaining hope and continuing to make effort, even when the odds are against us, is essential for overcoming life’s storms.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
His First Flight
Q1. Who is the author of “His First Flight”?
(a) Frederick Forsyth
(b) Liam O’Flaherty
(c) Roald Dahl
(d) Paulo Coelho
Answer: (b) Liam O’Flaherty
Q2. Why was the young seagull afraid to fly?
(a) He was injured
(b) He was afraid his wings would not support him
(c) He did not like flying
(d) He was too young to fly
Answer: (b) He was afraid his wings would not support him
Q3. How many siblings did the young seagull have?
(a) One brother and one sister
(b) Two brothers and two sisters
(c) Two brothers and one sister
(d) Three brothers and no sister
Answer: (c) Two brothers and one sister
Q4. What food did the seagull’s mother bring to tempt him?
(a) Earthworms
(b) A piece of fish
(c) Insects
(d) Bread crumbs
Answer: (b) A piece of fish
Q5. Why did the seagull’s mother stop midway while bringing him the fish?
(a) She was tired of flying
(b) She was angry with him
(c) To push him to fly out of hunger
(d) She dropped the fish by mistake
Answer: (c) To push him to fly out of hunger
Q6. “The sight of the food maddened him.” What does “maddened” mean here?
(a) Made him angry
(b) Made him sad
(c) Drove him crazy with desperation
(d) Made him sleepy
Answer: (c) Drove him crazy with desperation
Q7. What did the seagull’s parents threaten him with if he did not fly?
(a) They would abandon him forever
(b) They would punish him
(c) They would let him starve
(d) They would push him off the ledge
Answer: (c) They would let him starve
Q8. How long had the seagull been alone on the ledge before his first flight?
(a) Twelve hours
(b) Twenty-four hours
(c) Forty-eight hours
(d) One week
Answer: (b) Twenty-four hours
Q9. What was the young seagull’s first reaction when he fell off the ledge?
(a) Joy and excitement
(b) Monstrous terror seized him
(c) He felt calm and relaxed
(d) He started laughing
Answer: (b) Monstrous terror seized him
Q10. What did the seagull discover about the sea when he landed on it?
(a) It was very cold
(b) He could float on it
(c) It was dangerous
(d) He started sinking
Answer: (b) He could float on it
Q11. What were the seagull’s siblings trained in?
(a) The art of flight
(b) How to skim the waves
(c) How to dive for fish
(d) All of the above
Answer: (d) All of the above
Q12. How would you describe the screams of the seagulls after the young one’s first flight?
(a) Screams of fear
(b) Screams of elation and joy
(c) Screams of anger
(d) Screams of surprise
Answer: (b) Screams of elation and joy
Black Aeroplane
Q13. Who is the author of “Black Aeroplane”?
(a) Liam O’Flaherty
(b) Frederick Forsyth
(c) Roald Dahl
(d) R.K. Narayan
Answer: (b) Frederick Forsyth
Q14. The pilot was flying from _______ to _______.
(a) England to France
(b) England to India
(c) France to England
(d) France to India
Answer: (c) France to England
Q15. What was the narrator dreaming about while flying?
(a) A promotion at work
(b) His vacation plans
(c) A big English breakfast with his family
(d) Buying a new aeroplane
Answer: (c) A big English breakfast with his family
Q16. How far was the narrator from Paris when he saw the storm clouds?
(a) 100 kilometres
(b) 150 kilometres
(c) 200 kilometres
(d) 50 kilometres
Answer: (b) 150 kilometres
Q17. What did the storm clouds look like to the narrator?
(a) Black mountains
(b) White cotton balls
(c) Grey walls
(d) Dark rivers
Answer: (a) Black mountains
Q18. Which of the narrator’s instruments stopped working first?
(a) Radio
(b) Compass
(c) Both stopped together
(d) None of them stopped
Answer: (b) Compass
Q19. How much fuel did the narrator have left inside the storm?
(a) Enough for one hour
(b) Enough for thirty minutes
(c) Enough for five to ten minutes
(d) The tank was completely empty
Answer: (c) Enough for five to ten minutes
Q20. What was unusual about the black aeroplane?
(a) It was very large
(b) It had no lights on its wings
(c) It was flying upside down
(d) It was making a loud noise
Answer: (b) It had no lights on its wings
Q21. What risk did the narrator take?
(a) Flying back to Paris
(b) Missing his breakfast
(c) Flying his old Dakota straight into the storm
(d) He took no risk
Answer: (c) Flying his old Dakota straight into the storm
Q22. What did the woman at the control centre say about the other aeroplane?
(a) It had landed at a different airport
(b) It was a military plane
(c) No other aeroplane was flying that night on the radar
(d) It was a regular scheduled flight
Answer: (c) No other aeroplane was flying that night on the radar
Q23. Which control station did the narrator contact before entering the storm?
(a) London Control
(b) Paris Control
(c) Indian Control
(d) He did not contact anyone
Answer: (b) Paris Control
Q24. The narrator followed the black aeroplane like _______.
(a) A brave soldier
(b) An obedient child
(c) A lost traveller
(d) A frightened animal
Answer: (b) An obedient child
Extract-Based Questions
Extract 1 (His First Flight)
“The young seagull was alone on his ledge. His two brothers and his sister had already flown away the day before. He had been afraid to fly with them. Somehow when he had taken a little run forward to the brink of the ledge and attempted to flap his wings he became afraid. The great expanse of sea stretched down beneath, and it was such a long way down — miles down.”
(a) Why was the young seagull alone on his ledge?
Ans: The young seagull was alone on his ledge because his two brothers and his sister had already flown away the day before. He had been too afraid to fly with them, so he was left behind on the ledge all by himself.
(b) What happened when he tried to flap his wings?
Ans: When he took a little run forward to the brink of the ledge and attempted to flap his wings, he became afraid. He saw the great expanse of sea stretching far below him, and the distance seemed so vast – miles down – that his fear overpowered him and he could not bring himself to fly.
(c) What was “the great expanse” that he could see below?
Ans: “The great expanse” was the vast stretch of the sea that lay far below the ledge. The sea was a long way down – what seemed like miles – and the sight of it filled the young seagull with terror, making him believe he would fall and drown if he tried to fly.
(d) What does this extract reveal about the young seagull’s character?
Ans: This extract reveals that the young seagull is timid and fearful. Despite being physically capable of flying (like his siblings who had already done it successfully), he is held back by psychological fear. He lacks confidence in his own abilities and is paralysed by the fear of the unknown.
Extract 2 (His First Flight)
“His mother had picked up a piece of the fish and was flying across to him with it. He leaned out eagerly, tapping the rock with his feet, trying to get nearer to her as she flew across. But when she was just opposite to him, she halted, her legs hanging limp, her wings motionless, the piece of fish in her beak almost within reach of his beak.”
(a) Why did the mother fly towards the seagull with a piece of fish?
Ans: The mother flew towards the seagull with a piece of fish as a clever strategy to make him fly. She knew he was desperately hungry after starving for twenty-four hours. She deliberately brought the fish close to him to tempt him, with the intention of making him attempt to fly out of hunger.
(b) Why did the mother halt just opposite to him?
Ans: The mother halted just opposite to him deliberately. She kept the fish tantalisingly close but just out of his reach. This was her strategy to force him to move forward and attempt to fly. She wanted his hunger to become so desperate that he would lunge at the food and, in doing so, launch himself off the ledge into flight.
(c) How did the young seagull react when he saw his mother approaching with food?
Ans: The young seagull reacted with intense excitement and eagerness. He leaned out from the ledge, tapping the rock with his feet, trying desperately to get nearer to his mother as she flew across. He was driven by his terrible hunger and the sight of the fish, which he wanted desperately.
(d) What quality of the mother seagull is highlighted in this extract?
Ans: The extract highlights the mother seagull’s intelligence and strategic thinking. She understood that direct encouragement and threats had failed to make her son fly. So she devised a clever plan, using his hunger as a tool to motivate him. Her approach shows that she was wise, patient, and deeply committed to helping her son overcome his fear, even if it meant using a seemingly cruel method.
Extract 3 (His First Flight)
“He completely forgot that he had not always been able to fly, and commended himself to the demands of this new and exciting life. He dived and soared and curveted in an ecstasy of living.”
(a) What does the phrase “completely forgot” tell us about the seagull?
Ans: The phrase “completely forgot” tells us that the seagull’s transformation was total and complete. Once he started flying, he was so immersed in the experience and so naturally good at it that his previous inability and fear seemed to vanish from his memory entirely. It shows that his fear had been entirely psychological – once he overcame it, flying came to him as naturally as breathing.
(b) What does “this new and exciting life” refer to?
Ans: “This new and exciting life” refers to the seagull’s life as a bird that can fly. Before his first flight, he was stuck on the ledge, lonely, starving, and fearful. After his first flight, a whole new world opened up to him – he could soar, dive, curve, and explore the sky and the sea. Flying represented freedom, independence, and joy.
(c) What does the word “ecstasy” suggest about his feelings?
Ans: The word “ecstasy” suggests that the seagull was experiencing extreme joy, happiness, and excitement. It was not just mild pleasure – it was an overwhelming, rapturous feeling of delight. The experience of flying, after having been terrified of it for so long, filled him with an intense happiness that is described as “ecstasy of living.”
Extract 4 (Black Aeroplane)
“I was safe. I turned to look for my friend in the black aeroplane, but the sky was empty. There was nothing there. The black aeroplane was gone. I could not see it anywhere.”
(a) Why did the narrator call the pilot of the black aeroplane his “friend”?
Ans: The narrator called the pilot of the black aeroplane his “friend” because the mysterious pilot had saved his life. When the narrator was hopelessly lost in the storm with failing instruments and dwindling fuel, the pilot of the black aeroplane appeared and guided him to safety. Anyone who saves your life in such a desperate situation naturally becomes a friend, and the narrator felt deep gratitude towards him.
(b) What did the narrator see when he turned to look for the black aeroplane?
Ans: When the narrator turned to look for the black aeroplane, the sky was completely empty. The black aeroplane had vanished. There was nothing there – no plane, no pilot, no trace of the aircraft that had guided him through the storm just moments ago. It had disappeared as mysteriously as it had appeared.
(c) What makes this situation mysterious?
Ans: The situation is deeply mysterious for several reasons. First, the black aeroplane had no lights on its wings, which is unusual for any aircraft. Second, it appeared out of nowhere in the middle of a terrible storm. Third, it vanished completely the moment the narrator landed safely. Fourth, and most significantly, when the narrator asked the control tower about the other plane, the woman said no other aircraft was flying that night and nothing appeared on the radar. The complete disappearance of the plane without any trace or record makes it one of the most intriguing mysteries of the story.
(d) What was the narrator’s feeling at this moment?
Ans: The narrator was feeling a mix of relief, gratitude, and bewilderment. He was relieved to be safe after the terrifying ordeal in the storm. He was grateful to the mysterious pilot who had saved his life. But he was also deeply confused and bewildered by the disappearance of the black aeroplane. He wanted to find and thank his rescuer, but the fact that the plane had vanished without a trace left him puzzled and wondering about the identity of his mysterious saviour.
Extract 5 (Black Aeroplane)
“I looked at my fuel and saw that I had enough to fly for five or ten minutes. I called Paris Control again. No answer. I was lost in the storm.”
(a) Why was the narrator worried about fuel?
Ans: The narrator was worried about fuel because he had only enough fuel left to fly for five or ten minutes. This was an extremely critical situation because he was lost in the storm with no working instruments, no radio contact, and no idea where he was or where the nearest landing strip might be. If his fuel ran out while he was still lost in the storm clouds, his plane would crash.
(b) Why did Paris Control not answer?
Ans: Paris Control did not answer because the narrator’s radio had stopped working due to the storm. Inside the violent storm clouds, all of his instruments, including the radio, had gone dead. He was calling on a non-functional radio, which is why there was no response. The storm had completely disrupted all his electronic equipment and communications.
(c) What does the narrator mean by “I was lost in the storm”?
Ans: “I was lost in the storm” means that the narrator had no idea where he was or which direction he was flying. His compass was spinning uselessly, his other instruments were dead, his radio had no signal, and he could not see anything outside the plane because of the pitch-black storm clouds. Without any means of navigation or communication, he was completely disoriented and did not know how to find his way out of the storm or to any airport.
(d) What emotions is the narrator experiencing in this extract?
Ans: The narrator is experiencing a combination of fear, helplessness, and desperation. Fear because his fuel is almost gone and he is trapped in a dangerous storm. Helplessness because all his instruments and his radio have failed, leaving him without any tools to navigate or call for help. Desperation because he has tried calling Paris Control but received no answer, and he knows that time is running out. This is arguably the most frightening moment in the story, just before the mysterious black aeroplane appears to rescue him.
Extract 6 (Black Aeroplane)
“Suddenly I came out of the clouds and saw two long straight lines of lights in front of me. It was a runway! An airport! I was safe!”
(a) How did the narrator come out of the clouds?
Ans: The narrator came out of the clouds by following the mysterious black aeroplane. The pilot of the black plane had signalled him to follow, and the narrator had obeyed. After about thirty minutes, the black aeroplane began to descend, and the narrator followed it down. As he descended through the clouds, he suddenly emerged below them and saw the runway lights.
(b) What did the “two long straight lines of lights” represent?
Ans: The “two long straight lines of lights” represented the runway of an airport. These were the runway lights that guide pilots during landing, especially at night or in poor visibility conditions. For the narrator, who had been lost in the pitch-black storm with no instruments, these lights were a sight of salvation.
(c) Why did the narrator exclaim “I was safe!”?
Ans: The narrator exclaimed “I was safe!” because the sight of the runway meant his terrifying ordeal was over. He had been trapped in a violent storm, lost without instruments, running out of fuel, and genuinely fearing for his life. The moment he saw the runway lights, he knew he could land the plane and survive. The relief he felt after the harrowing experience was so overwhelming that it came out in this simple but powerful exclamation.
(d) What happened immediately after this moment?
Ans: Immediately after seeing the runway, the narrator landed his Dakota aeroplane safely. He then turned to look for the black aeroplane that had guided him, but it had completely vanished from the sky. He walked away from his plane and went to the control centre, where he asked the woman about the other pilot. She told him that no other aeroplane was on the radar that night, deepening the mystery of who had saved him.
Value-Based Questions
Q1. What values do we learn from the seagull’s parents in “His First Flight”? How can these values be applied in real life?
Ans: The seagull’s parents teach us several important values that are applicable in real life.
Perseverance and Patience: The parents did not give up on their son despite his repeated refusal to fly. They tried multiple methods – encouragement, scolding, threatening, and finally the clever strategy with the fish. In real life, parents and teachers must be patient and persistent when helping children overcome their fears and learn new skills.
Tough Love: The parents made the difficult decision to leave their son alone and let him go hungry. This was not cruelty but tough love – they knew that sometimes the best way to help someone is to let them face challenges on their own. In real life, parents sometimes need to step back and allow their children to struggle and learn from experience rather than always shielding them from difficulty.
Strategic Thinking: The mother’s strategy of using the fish to lure her son into flying shows intelligent problem-solving. She understood her son’s psychology and used his hunger as a tool to overcome his fear. In real life, we should think creatively when helping others overcome challenges rather than simply repeating the same approach that has already failed.
Unconditional Love: Despite calling him a coward and threatening him, the parents celebrated joyfully when he finally flew. They offered him food and flew around him with pride. This shows that their earlier tough stance was motivated by love, not anger. In real life, the value of unconditional parental love that combines firmness with affection is one of the greatest gifts a child can receive.
Q2. “The Black Aeroplane” teaches us about gratitude and the importance of helping others in times of crisis. Discuss.
Ans: “The Black Aeroplane” beautifully highlights the values of gratitude and selfless help during times of crisis.
Gratitude: The narrator’s first instinct after landing safely was to find and thank the mysterious pilot who had guided him through the storm. Despite being exhausted and shaken by the terrifying experience, he went to the control centre specifically to express his gratitude. This shows the narrator’s deep sense of appreciation for the help he received. In real life, we should always acknowledge and thank those who help us, especially during difficult times. Gratitude strengthens human relationships and encourages others to continue helping.
Helping Others in Crisis: The mysterious pilot of the black aeroplane helped the narrator without being asked. He appeared when the narrator was in a desperate situation, guided him patiently through the storm for thirty minutes, and led him to safety. He did not ask for anything in return and disappeared without even waiting to be thanked. This is the highest form of selfless help – helping someone in their time of greatest need without expecting recognition or reward. In real life, we should always be ready to help others when they are in trouble, even if we do not know them personally. A small act of kindness during a crisis can make the difference between life and death.
Never Lose Hope: The story also teaches us that help can come from the most unexpected sources when we need it the most. The narrator was about to give up when the black aeroplane appeared. In our own lives, we should never lose hope during difficult times, because help may come from places we least expect.
Q3. Both stories in this chapter teach us that fear is natural but can be overcome. Discuss the role of courage in both stories and how it applies to students facing examinations.
Ans: Both stories in “Two Stories about Flying” demonstrate that fear is a natural human emotion, but it need not be a permanent barrier to success. Each story shows how courage, in different forms, can help overcome fear.
In “His First Flight,” the young seagull’s courage was born out of necessity. He was afraid to fly, but when hunger became unbearable, he found the courage to leap from the ledge. His courage was not the absence of fear – he was terrified when he fell – but it was the decision to act despite the fear. Once he took that courageous leap, he discovered that his fears had been baseless. He could fly perfectly well. His fear had been holding him back from realizing his true potential.
In “Black Aeroplane,” the narrator showed courage by deciding to fly into the storm. Although this was a risky decision, it required tremendous bravery. Inside the storm, when everything went wrong, he showed courage by not panicking and by continuing to try to fly the plane. When the black aeroplane appeared, he showed the courage to trust an unknown guide in the middle of a dangerous storm.
For students facing examinations, these stories carry powerful lessons. Many students feel paralysed by exam fear, just like the young seagull was paralysed by his fear of flying. The fear of failure, the fear of forgetting answers, and the fear of not performing well can be overwhelming. However, just as the seagull discovered that he could fly once he took the first step, students often discover that examinations are not as terrifying as they imagined once they actually begin writing. The key is preparation (like the seagull’s wings being ready) and the courage to take the first step (like diving off the ledge). With consistent effort, family support, and the courage to face challenges head-on, every student can successfully “fly” through their examinations.
We hope that these solutions for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 3 – Two Stories about Flying have been helpful for your HSLC examination preparation. For more chapter-wise solutions and study materials, visit hslcguru.com.