CBSE Class 10 English – First Flight
Chapter 3: Two Stories About Flying
20 Important Questions and Answers
1. Why was the young seagull afraid to fly?
Answer:
The young seagull was afraid to fly because he lacked confidence in his wings. He believed that his wings were too weak to support him in the vast sky. Whenever he looked down at the deep sea below, he became frightened and stepped back from the edge of the cliff. Although his brothers and sister had already flown successfully, he could not gather enough courage to make the first attempt. His fear prevented him from trusting his natural abilities. The story shows that fear often exists only in the mind, and confidence is necessary to overcome it and achieve success.
2. How did the young seagull’s mother help him overcome his fear?
Answer:
The young seagull’s mother played an important role in helping him fly. She understood that her son was extremely hungry after being left alone on the ledge. Holding a piece of fish in her beak, she flew towards him but stopped just out of his reach. Driven by hunger, the seagull jumped forward to get the food. In doing so, he forgot his fear and spread his wings instinctively. Soon, he found himself flying in the air. His mother’s clever strategy encouraged him to discover his own strength and gain confidence in his ability to fly.
3. What lesson does the story “His First Flight” teach us?
Answer:
“His First Flight” teaches us that fear can be overcome through courage and self-belief. The young seagull was afraid to fly because he doubted his abilities. However, when circumstances forced him to act, he discovered that he was capable of doing what he feared most. The story emphasizes that everyone faces challenges and fears while trying something new. Success comes only when we take the first step with confidence. It also highlights the importance of encouragement from family members, who often help us realize our hidden potential and strengths.
4. Describe the young seagull’s feelings before and after his first flight.
Answer:
Before his first flight, the young seagull felt frightened, lonely, and helpless. He was convinced that his wings would not support him, so he remained on the ledge while his family flew freely. He also felt hungry and neglected because his family refused to feed him. After he finally took the leap, his fear disappeared. He felt excited, proud, and joyful as he flew through the sky. The experience filled him with confidence and happiness. He realized that he had always possessed the ability to fly and only needed courage to trust himself.
5. How did hunger become the turning point in the young seagull’s life?
Answer:
Hunger became the turning point in the young seagull’s life because it forced him to act. For a long time, he remained on the ledge, refusing to fly due to fear. His family stopped feeding him and left him alone. As his hunger increased, he became desperate for food. When his mother approached with a piece of fish, he eagerly jumped towards it. In that moment, he forgot his fear and spread his wings naturally. This unexpected action led to his first successful flight. Thus, hunger helped him overcome his hesitation and discover his true potential.
6. Why did the pilot decide to fly through the storm clouds?
Answer:
The pilot decided to fly through the storm clouds because he wanted to reach home quickly. He was eager to have breakfast with his family in England and did not want to delay his journey. Although he knew that flying into the dark storm clouds was risky, he believed he could manage the situation. Unfortunately, the storm turned out to be much more dangerous than he had expected. His instruments stopped working properly, and he lost his direction. His decision shows how strong emotions and impatience can sometimes lead people to take unnecessary risks.
7. What problems did the pilot face inside the storm?
Answer:
Inside the storm, the pilot faced several serious problems. Thick black clouds surrounded his aeroplane, making it impossible to see anything outside. The turbulence caused the plane to shake violently. More importantly, his compass and radio stopped functioning properly, leaving him unable to determine his direction or communicate with anyone. He also had very little fuel left, which increased his anxiety. The pilot realized that he was lost and might not survive the storm. These difficulties created suspense and highlighted the danger of flying in extreme weather conditions.
8. How did the mysterious black aeroplane help the pilot?
Answer:
The mysterious black aeroplane appeared when the pilot was lost in the storm and running out of fuel. Its pilot signaled him to follow and guided him safely through the dangerous clouds. Trusting the unknown pilot, the narrator followed the black aeroplane until he finally saw the runway and landed safely. After landing, he wanted to thank the pilot who had saved his life. However, he was shocked to learn that no other aeroplane had been seen in the sky that night. The mysterious help remains unexplained and adds suspense to the story.
9. Why was the pilot surprised after landing safely?
Answer:
The pilot was surprised after landing because he discovered that the mysterious black aeroplane did not officially exist. He went to the control centre and asked about the pilot who had guided him through the storm. The woman at the control desk informed him that no other aeroplane had been flying in the sky at that time. According to the radar records, his plane was the only one present. This revelation shocked him because he clearly remembered following another aircraft. The incident remained a mystery and left both the pilot and readers wondering about the truth.
10. What makes “The Black Aeroplane” a mystery story?
Answer:
“The Black Aeroplane” is considered a mystery story because it contains unexplained events. The pilot becomes lost in a storm and is rescued by an unknown black aeroplane. The mysterious pilot communicates only through gestures and guides him to safety. However, after landing, the narrator learns that no such plane was recorded on radar. There is no logical explanation for who the pilot was or where the aircraft came from. This unanswered question creates suspense and curiosity. The mysterious ending encourages readers to imagine different possibilities and interpretations of the incident.
11. How did the seagull’s family react to his fear of flying?
Answer:
The seagull’s family initially tried to encourage him to fly. His parents, brothers, and sister repeatedly urged him to leave the ledge and join them in the air. When he refused, they scolded him and called him cowardly. Later, they left him alone without food so that he would realize the importance of becoming independent. Although their behavior seemed harsh, it was intended to help him overcome his fear. Eventually, their efforts succeeded when the young seagull took his first flight and proved that he was capable of flying like the others.
12. Why did the pilot feel relieved when he saw another aeroplane?
Answer:
The pilot felt relieved when he saw another aeroplane because he was completely lost in the storm. His compass and radio had stopped working, and he was running low on fuel. He feared that he might crash before reaching safety. At that critical moment, the appearance of another aircraft gave him hope. He believed that the other pilot could guide him out of danger. Seeing the black aeroplane reduced his fear and restored his confidence. The aircraft became a symbol of help and hope during a life-threatening situation.
13. Compare the fears faced by the young seagull and the pilot.
Answer:
Both the young seagull and the pilot faced fear, but in different situations. The seagull feared flying for the first time because he lacked confidence in his wings. His fear was psychological and based on self-doubt. On the other hand, the pilot feared for his life when he became trapped in a dangerous storm. His fear arose from a real and immediate threat. Despite these differences, both characters overcame their fears and survived challenging situations. Their experiences show that courage and determination are essential for overcoming obstacles and achieving success in life.
14. What role does confidence play in “His First Flight”?
Answer:
Confidence plays a central role in “His First Flight.” The young seagull had the physical ability to fly, but he lacked confidence in himself. His fear prevented him from using his natural skills. Once he accidentally spread his wings and began flying, he realized that he was capable of doing what he had feared. This experience transformed him into a confident bird. The story suggests that success often depends more on self-belief than on ability alone. Confidence helps people face challenges, overcome fears, and achieve their goals in life.
15. Why did the pilot risk entering the storm despite seeing the clouds?
Answer:
The pilot chose to enter the storm because he wanted to reach home without delay. He was excited about meeting his family and having breakfast with them the next morning. Although he noticed the dark storm clouds ahead, he underestimated their danger. He believed that his flying skills would help him pass through safely. However, the storm created severe problems and put his life at risk. His decision reflects how personal desires can sometimes influence judgment and lead people to make risky choices without fully considering the consequences.
16. How did the young seagull finally realize his strength?
Answer:
The young seagull realized his strength when he jumped towards the fish offered by his mother. In his eagerness to get the food, he forgot his fear and leaped into the air. At first, he thought he would fall, but his wings automatically spread and supported him. Soon, he was flying confidently above the sea. This experience taught him that he had always possessed the strength and ability to fly. His problem was not weakness but lack of confidence. Once he trusted himself, he successfully accomplished what seemed impossible before.
17. What message does “The Black Aeroplane” convey?
Answer:
“The Black Aeroplane” conveys the message that hope and faith can help people overcome difficult situations. When the pilot was trapped in the storm and felt completely helpless, unexpected assistance appeared in the form of the mysterious black aeroplane. The story suggests that help can arrive when it is needed most, even if its source cannot be explained. It also highlights the importance of staying calm during emergencies. The mysterious ending encourages readers to believe in possibilities beyond ordinary understanding and reminds them not to lose hope during challenging times.
18. Why is the title “Two Stories About Flying” appropriate?
Answer:
The title “Two Stories About Flying” is appropriate because the chapter contains two different stories connected with the theme of flight. The first story, “His First Flight,” focuses on a young seagull learning to fly and overcoming fear through courage. The second story, “The Black Aeroplane,” describes a pilot’s frightening experience during a storm and his mysterious rescue. While one story deals with personal growth and confidence, the other explores suspense and mystery. Together, they present different aspects of flying and show how courage helps individuals face difficult situations successfully.
19. How does the author create suspense in “The Black Aeroplane”?
Answer:
The author creates suspense by placing the pilot in a dangerous and uncertain situation. The dark storm clouds, malfunctioning instruments, loss of direction, and shortage of fuel all increase tension. Readers become anxious about whether the pilot will survive. The sudden appearance of the mysterious black aeroplane adds further curiosity. The greatest suspense comes at the end when the control centre reports that no other aircraft was in the sky. This unexpected revelation leaves important questions unanswered and encourages readers to think about the mystery long after the story ends.
20. What similarities can be seen between the two stories in the chapter?
Answer:
Both stories focus on fear, courage, and success. The young seagull fears taking his first flight, while the pilot fears being lost in a dangerous storm. In both cases, the characters face difficult situations that test their confidence and determination. Each character eventually overcomes fear and reaches safety. Another similarity is that both receive help from others—the seagull from his mother and the pilot from the mysterious black aeroplane. The stories teach that fear is a natural part of life, but courage, faith, and support from others can help us overcome challenges successfully.