CBSE Class 10 English Two Stories about Flying II Black Aeroplane Assignment Set 02

Short Answer Type Questions

Question. How would you describe the mood of the story, ‘Black Aeroplane’ as it begins?
Answer: The narrative starts with a cheerful and thrilled pilot who is eager to rejoin his family in England. With bright stars twinkling in a cloudless sky, he anticipates landing in England by morning while piloting his vintage Dakota aircraft.
In simple words: The story starts on a happy note. The pilot is flying his old plane on a clear night and looks forward to seeing his family.

Exam Tip: To describe the mood, focus on the pilot's excitement and the clear, starry sky at the start of his journey.

Question. Look at the given image. Briefly evaluate the narrator’s decision to not go back to Paris with reference to the image.
Answer: Even though the pilot was aware of the impending hazard of the storm ahead, he chose to overlook the risk. He pushed forward, viewing the dangerous path as a chance to reunite with his family rather than turning back.
In simple words: The pilot knew a storm was coming, but he chose to take the risk anyway because he really wanted to see his family.

Exam Tip: Contrast the physical danger (the threat) with the pilot's strong desire to meet his family (the opportunity).

Question. Do you think that after his experience, the narrator would be able to truly enjoy the English breakfast he had yearned for? Why/ Why not?
Answer: Although he reached the ground safely ahead of breakfast time, he probably could not fully relish his food. His thoughts would be preoccupied with puzzling queries regarding the mysterious dark aircraft and its helper pilot.
In simple words: Even though he landed safely, he would be too busy thinking about the mysterious plane and pilot to enjoy his breakfast.

Exam Tip: Emphasize his psychological state and unresolved questions about the mysterious helper pilot.

Question. What do you think prompted the narrator to act like “an obedient child”?
Answer: The pilot found himself trapped by massive storm clouds, with vital cockpit devices like his compass failing and communication with the ground lost. Under these helpless conditions, his sole choice was to trail the dark aircraft as if he were a compliant youth.
In simple words: The pilot was lost in a storm with broken instruments and no radio. He had to follow the strange black plane because he had no other way to survive.

Exam Tip: Mention the three critical failures: storm clouds, broken instruments (compass), and loss of radio contact.

Question. As a reader, do you feel betrayed or let down in the way the story ends? Validate your opinion.
Answer: The conclusion leaves us with intense ambiguity regarding the dark aircraft and whoever was flying it. A more conclusive resolution would have been preferable, as we are forced to guess who actually rescued the pilot. Consequently, the lack of answers at the end can make a reader feel somewhat let down.
In simple words: The story ends with a big mystery, leaving readers to guess who the other pilot was. This open ending can feel unsatisfying.

Exam Tip: Provide a balanced response: either argue that the suspense is artistic or that the unresolved ending feels disappointing.

Question. Based on your reading, would you call the narrator a family man? Justify your stance.
Answer: The text clearly indicates that the pilot hazarded his life just to reunite with his household. His keen enthusiasm for spending his holidays with them and his strong desire to eat breakfast together highlight his deep devotion as a family-oriented person.
In simple words: Yes, because he risked his life flying through a dangerous storm just to have breakfast with his family.

Exam Tip: Support your claim with specific textual details, like his desire for a family holiday and a home-cooked breakfast.

Question. James Lane Allen says, “Adversity reveals character”. What do you learn about the narrator from the experience? Mention any two traits supported by the textual evidence.
Answer: The perilous flight through the dark storm highlights that the pilot possesses great courage and resilience. Instead of losing his head, he maintained composure in a highly dangerous situation, showing himself to be patient, level-headed, and willing to follow guidance when needed.
In simple words: The storm showed that the pilot is very brave and stays calm under pressure, which helped him survive.

Exam Tip: Clearly state at least two distinct traits (e.g., bravery, calm demeanor under pressure) and link them to his behavior in the storm.

Question. What did Frederick Forsyth think when he called Paris Control ?
Answer: While traveling toward England, the author contacted the control station in Paris and received instructions to adjust his heading twelve degrees to the west. He complied gladly, feeling optimistic about arriving in time to enjoy a classic home breakfast.
In simple words: When the pilot called Paris, he was happily planning to get home in time for a nice English breakfast.

Exam Tip: Mention his desire to reach home on time and his eagerness for a traditional English breakfast.

Question. What problems did the pilot of Dakota face in the clouds ? Or What difficulties did the narrator face while flying in the storm ?
Answer: Upon entering the dark storm clouds, which resembled massive dark peaks, the flyer got completely stuck. His aircraft began violently tossing and turning in mid-air. Suddenly, his navigation devices and communication tools, such as the compass and radio, stopped functioning entirely, leaving him completely cut off without any assistance from the control team.
In simple words: Inside the storm, the plane shook violently, the instruments and radio broke, and the pilot could not see anything or call for help.

Exam Tip: Detail the physical behavior of the plane (jumping/twisting) and the failure of crucial navigation aids (radio/compass).

Question. Explain the statement : “I was very happy to go behind the strange aeroplane like an obedient child”.
Answer: Faced with massive storm clouds and running low on fuel, the aviator could not fly over or bypass the obstacle. When an unlit dark plane appeared nearby and its pilot gestured for him to come along, he gladly obeyed since he lacked any other alternative for survival.
In simple words: The pilot was trapped in a storm with very little fuel. He followed the mysterious dark plane because it was his only chance to escape.

Exam Tip: Explain that his happiness stemmed from finding a guide when he had run out of other safe options due to low fuel.

Question. Why did the pilot think of going back to paris ?
Answer: When confronted by towering, dark storm clouds that resembled giant mountains, the flyer realized his fuel reserves were too low to climb over or navigate around them. This dangerous scenario prompted him to consider returning to his starting point in France.
In simple words: The pilot thought about returning to Paris because the storm clouds ahead looked like giant mountains, and he did not have enough fuel to fly around them.

Exam Tip: Highlight the twin challenges: the mountain-like storm clouds and the critical lack of fuel.

Question. Which two options did the pilot of the Dakota plane have when he encountered the storm clouds on his way ? What did he decide to do ? Why ?
Answer: The aviator had a choice between turning back to Paris or braving his way directly through the dark storm. He chose to take the dangerous route forward because of his strong longing to return home and enjoy his holidays with his loved ones.
In simple words: The pilot could either return to Paris or fly into the storm. He chose the storm because he was desperate to get home to his family.

Exam Tip: Clearly state both choices before explaining how his emotional connection to his family influenced his risky decision.

Question. What were the points that went on troubling Frederick’s mind on reaching safely at the airport ?
Answer: After landing safely, the aviator inquired about the other aircraft, only to learn from the control room assistant that no other planes were in the sky. He remained deeply perplexed by several mysteries: who guided him home safely when his instruments were broken, how he managed to survive on empty fuel tanks, and who was actually piloting the mysterious, unlit dark plane.
In simple words: After landing, the pilot was confused because the control tower said no other planes were flying. He wondered who helped him, how he survived without fuel, and who the mysterious helper was.

Exam Tip: Present the pilot's unanswered questions in a structured format, focusing on the lack of fuel, radio, compass, and the mystery pilot's identity.

Question. Why did the woman in the control room deny having helped the pilot of Dakota?
Answer: The control room staff member was surprised by the pilot's query because her radar screen showed only his Dakota aircraft. Since no other planes were operating in the stormy sky that night, she had no record of any other guide.
In simple words: The woman said she didn't help him because her radar showed that his plane was the only one in the sky that night.

Exam Tip: Focus on the radar evidence, which proved that the Dakota was completely alone in the sky.

Question. Why could the woman in the control room not help the pilot of Dakota ?
Answer: When the aviator sought information about his mysterious savior, the woman at the desk was unable to assist because her radar system detected absolutely no other flights in the area during the storm.
In simple words: She could not help him identify the other plane because her radar did not show any other aircraft flying in the storm.

Exam Tip: Emphasize that her inability to help was due to the objective evidence on the radar screen.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question. You have been asked to present an evaluation of the approaches of both, the Baby Seagull and the Pilot who was lost in the clouds, towards achieving their dreams of conquering the skies. Write this presentation draft including your insights, comparing the approaches of both. You may begin this way: One acknowledges that both, the Seagull and the Pilot, wanted to _____. however, _____
Answer: One acknowledges that both, the Seagull and the Pilot, wanted to fly high and overcome their limits. However, their pathways to success were highly distinct. The young bird's story centers on self-belief, persistence, and inner strength, whereas the lost aviator's flight was marked by sudden confusion, a lack of clear navigation, and unplanned risks.
For the young seagull, intense hunger and the raw instinct to survive served as the ultimate drivers to conquer its terror and take to the air. In contrast, the pilot encountered a sudden crisis when he became stranded inside a massive storm. Instead of relying on self-reliance, he placed his complete trust in a mysterious dark aircraft and trailed it like a helpless child.
While both narratives celebrate bravery and grit, they highlight different lessons. The pilot's survival relied on a blind leap of faith in an unknown guide, while the bird succeeded through natural necessity and self-discovery. Ultimately, the bird's journey shows the power of personal discipline, whereas the pilot's experience acts as a warning against overconfidence and a lack of preparation when facing severe hazards.
In simple words: The seagull learned to fly because of hunger and self-belief, while the pilot survived a storm by blindly trusting a mysterious guide. The seagull teaches us self-reliance, while the pilot shows the danger of being unprepared.

Exam Tip: Clearly contrast the internal motivation of the seagull (hunger/survival) with the external guidance relied upon by the pilot (the black plane).

Question. A few days after the experience, the narrator sat with his wife and recalled a long conversation he’d had with his young son the day before. The narrator’s son had spoken to him about his close friend, Freddie, and the many ways Freddie helped him. When the narrator suggested inviting Freddie home for lunch, his wife casually said, “Freddie is like your friend in the black aeroplane!” That night the narrator decided to record his thoughts in his diary to clear his head. As the narrator, write the diary entry.
Answer: 10.00 pm / 8th March
Dear Diary,
During my recent journey from Paris to England, I came face-to-face with my own mortality. I truly believed it was the end of the road for me. However, fate had other plans. Just as I was giving up, a mysterious dark aircraft emerged and guided me out of the terrifying storm. When I asked the control tower about this helper, they claimed no other plane was in the sky. I owe my survival entirely to this unknown pilot. He was a true savior, much like how my son describes his friend Freddie. It makes me realize how interconnected we all are, and I hope our paths cross again so I can say thank you. I am deeply thankful to the heavens and that mysterious pilot for letting me return safely to my family.
In simple words: The pilot writes in his diary about his close encounter with death and how a mysterious black plane saved him. He expresses deep gratitude and compares his helper to a caring friend.

Exam Tip: Use the diary entry format with a proper date and time, and maintain a deeply personal, reflective tone.

Question. Imagine that the narrator shared his story with friends and family once he got home. One of them, a spiritual leader, decided to incorporate the story as part of his weekly sermon to the congregation. Another friend, a psychologist, worked the story into his next lecture on survival instinct and crisis management. Do you think the two interpretations of the story would be different? If so, how? What insights might the narrator get about his mysterious experience, if he were to attend both the sessions?
Answer: The two perspectives would differ significantly. A spiritual guide would present the narrative as a divine miracle, asserting that the Creator protects his followers during crises by sending a guardian angel. He would encourage his listeners to maintain faith during dark times. Conversely, a psychologist would interpret the event through a scientific lens, suggesting that the "mysterious plane" was actually a projection of the pilot's own subconscious survival instinct and inner calm taking control during a crisis.
If the flyer attended both discussions, his takeaway would depend on his personal worldview. A faith-driven individual would find comfort in the spiritual explanation, while a rational thinker would align with the psychological analysis of self-preservation and mental strength.
In simple words: A spiritual leader would say God sent an angel to save the pilot, while a psychologist would say the "black plane" was just the pilot's own brain finding a way to survive.

Exam Tip: Contrast the external/divine interpretation (spiritual leader) with the internal/subconscious interpretation (psychologist).

Question. In a parallel world, the pilot of the black aeroplane narrates his adventure in a story titled ‘The Old Dakota’. You come across an excerpt from the story, which responds to the ending questions of ‘Black Aeroplane’ and describes the black aeroplane pilot’s decision to fly away after watching the Dakota land. Compose the said excerpt of the story employing relevant details from ‘Black Aeroplane’.
Answer: Last night, I found myself navigating a severe storm. Despite piloting an advanced, well-instrumented aircraft, my cockpit lights suddenly went out, though my radio link with the ground remained intact. As I navigated through the darkness, I noticed an older Dakota aircraft struggling nearby. I steered closer and gestured to its pilot to trail behind me, which he did without hesitation. We flew together for about thirty minutes until the runway lights finally pierced the gloom. Seeing that the Dakota was landing safely, I had to proceed with my own urgent journey without stopping. I only hope that brave pilot made it down safely.
In simple words: The other pilot explains that he saw the struggling Dakota and decided to guide it to the runway before continuing on his urgent flight.

Exam Tip: Write from the first-person perspective of the mysterious pilot, ensuring you explain why he had to fly away without meeting the Dakota pilot.

Question. Describe the flight of the Dakota aeroplane till it landed safely at the airport. Or What did the pilot of the Dakota encounter 150 km away from Paris ? Recount his experience inside the black clouds.
Answer: Eagerly anticipating a relaxing vacation with his loved ones, the pilot was flying his Dakota DS 088 toward England. The journey was smooth until he was suddenly confronted by massive, dark storm clouds about 150 kilometers past Paris. Lacking the fuel to fly over or around the storm, he chose to fly directly into the pitch-black clouds. Inside, he lost all orientation as his instruments failed.
Fortunately, he spotted a mysterious dark plane flying alongside him. Its pilot gestured for him to follow. Relying blindly on this guide, the narrator managed to navigate through the darkness. Suddenly, the clouds broke, revealing a brightly lit runway ahead. Though he landed safely, he was stunned when the control room operator informed him that no other planes had appeared on her radar screen that night.
In simple words: The pilot flew into a massive storm because he was low on fuel. He got lost when his instruments broke, but a mysterious black plane guided him safely to an airport runway.

Exam Tip: Chronologically trace the flight from the smooth start to the encounter with the storm, the guide's help, and the mysterious realization at the airport.

Question. How did the black aeroplane rescue the first pilot? Or How was the pilot of the old Dakota rescued? Or How did the pilot of the black aeroplane help the pilot of the old Dakota to land safely at the airport? Or The pilot is lost in storm clouds? How does he reach safely? Or Who rescued the first pilot of Dakota and how? Or What is the significant role played by the black aeroplane in rescuing the Dakota aeroplane ?
Answer: When the Dakota pilot got trapped in dense storm clouds with completely non-functional instruments, a mysterious aircraft materialized nearby. Although the helper's face remained hidden, he gestured with his hand, instructing the stranded pilot to follow him. The narrator turned his aircraft to trail the dark plane, keeping close behind it like an obedient child. After thirty minutes of guided flight, the lead plane began descending, leading them out of the clouds where the runway was visible. Once the Dakota landed, the mysterious savior vanished.
In simple words: A mysterious plane appeared in the storm. Its pilot gestured to the lost pilot to follow him, leading him safely down to the runway before disappearing.

Exam Tip: Describe the sequence of rescue: the appearance of the plane, the hand signals, the half-hour flight, and the sudden disappearance.

Question. Explain with the help of your lesson that we need courage, will-power and determination in overcoming the difficulties.
Answer: Overcoming life's hurdles demands immense courage, mental strength, and persistence, as demonstrated by the pilot's experience. While flying his old Dakota, he faced a dual crisis: extremely low fuel and towering storm clouds. Instead of choosing the safe route back to Paris, his determination to see his family pushed him to take a massive risk. Inside the turbulent storm, his instruments failed and he was completely cut off. Yet, his resilience kept him from panicking. When a mysterious unlit aircraft appeared, his willingness to trust and follow this guide allowed him to navigate the danger and land safely. This survival story highlights how grit and inner strength can help one navigate the darkest challenges.
In simple words: The pilot's story teaches us that when we face scary situations, staying brave and determined helps us find solutions and survive.

Exam Tip: Connect the abstract qualities (courage, will-power, determination) to specific moments in the pilot's crisis (entering the storm, dealing with instrument failure, following the guide).

Question. You are the pilot of old Dakota. Describe your experience in the form of a diary entry, when you entered mountains of dark clouds.
Answer: Dear Diary,
I am incredibly relieved to have landed safely in England today, though recalling the ordeal still fills me with terror. My journey turned into a nightmare when I ran critically low on fuel just as massive storm clouds blocked my path. Having no other choice, I plunged straight into the darkness. The turbulence was terrifying, tossing my aircraft violently through the air. In that desperate moment, a mysterious plane appeared, and its pilot waved to guide me. I followed him through the storm to safety. The entire incident feels like an absolute miracle, and though I am deeply saddened that I couldn't find him to offer my thanks, I will always be grateful for my survival.
In simple words: The pilot writes about his terrifying experience of flying into a storm with very little fuel, being saved by a mystery pilot, and his disappointment at not being able to thank his savior.

Exam Tip: Write in the first person ("I") and capture the strong emotions of fear, relief, and mysterious wonder.

Question. Sometimes we get unexpected help which really helps us. Describe. How did pilot of the black aeroplane help the pilot of the old Dakota to land safely at the airport ?
Answer: Unexpected assistance in times of trouble can feel like a direct blessing. Just as a person stranded on the street might receive sudden help from a stranger to recover a lost item, the pilot of the Dakota received life-saving aid when he had lost all hope. Trapped in a violent storm with dead instruments and empty fuel tanks, his plane was tossing helplessly in the air. Out of nowhere, the mysterious dark plane appeared, and its pilot guided the Dakota through the turbulent clouds, leading him safely to the runway before vanishing.
In simple words: Just like a stranger helping you in a crisis on the street, the mysterious black plane appeared out of nowhere to guide the lost pilot safely to an airport.

Exam Tip: Draw a parallel between everyday acts of unexpected kindness and the extraordinary rescue of the pilot in the storm.

Extract Based Questions

Question. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follows :
The moon was coming up in the east, behind me, and stars were shining in the clear sky above me. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky. I was happy to be alone high up above the sleeping countryside.
(i) What is the significance of not a single cloud in the sky?
(ii) What was the pilot flying?
(iii) How did the pilot feel after calling the Paris Control the first time? Answer in about 40 words.
(iv) State TRUE or FALSE.
None of the following descriptions (a)-(d) correctly corresponds to the extract.
(a) A debate is a formal discussion on a particular topic, usually with two or more people presenting different viewpoints and arguments.
(b) A description is the pattern of narrative development that aims to make vivid a place, object, character, or group.
(c) An aside is a brief comment or remark made by a character directly to the audience, which is not intended to be heard by other characters on stage.
(d) An abstract refers to a short summary or outline of a longer work.
Answer:
(i) The lack of any clouds indicates that the weather was perfectly clear and favorable for flying.
(ii) He was piloting an old Dakota aircraft.
(iii) After establishing contact with Paris Control initially, the aviator felt cheerful and assured. He anticipated arriving in England on schedule to relish a hearty breakfast with his family, convinced that his journey would be smooth and trouble-free.
(iv) FALSE. Statement (b) is a perfect match because the passage provides a vivid depiction of the sky, the moon, and the surroundings.
In simple words: The pilot was flying a Dakota plane under a clear, cloudless sky. He felt very happy and relaxed, looking forward to reaching home for breakfast.

Exam Tip: Ensure correct spelling of "Dakota" and explicitly link the clear sky to easy flying conditions when answering literal comprehension questions.

Question. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follows :
Paris was about 150 kilometres behind me when I saw the clouds. Storm clouds. They were huge. They looked like black mountains standing in front of me across the sky. I knew I could not fly up and over them, and I did not have enough fuel to fly around them to the north or south. “I ought to go back to Paris,” I thought, but I Wanted to get home. I wanted that breakfast. ‘I’ll take the risk,’ I thought, and flew that old Dakota straight into the storm.
(i) Why has the author used the word 'Wanted' with a capital 'W'?
(ii) The final decision of the pilot was
(a) not to return back to Paris.
(b) to take risk and fly straight into the storm.
(c) to fly around the clouds from north.
(d) to fly around the clouds from south.
(iii) From the quotations given below, choose the one that best captures the mindset of the pilot.
(a) Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.
(b) The struggles we endure today will be the 'good old days' we laugh about tomorrow.
(c) Life rewarded courage, even when that first step was taken neck-deep in fear.
(d) Safety is indeed stability, but it is not progression.
(iv) What did the pilot notice when Paris was already 150 km behind him? Answer in about 40 words.
Answer:
(i) The writer uses capitalization to highlight his overwhelming urge and deep longing to reach home.
(ii) (b) to take risk and fly straight into the storm.
(iii) (c) Life rewarded courage, even when that first step was taken neck-deep in fear.
(iv) When he was 150 kilometers past Paris, the pilot ran into towering storm clouds that resembled black mountains. He was faced with a critical choice: return safely to Paris or risk everything to join his family. Driven by his desire, he chose to plunge into the tempest with his limited fuel.
In simple words: The pilot chose to fly straight into a dangerous storm because he was desperate to get home to his family. This shows his courage was driven by love.

Exam Tip: Explain how the capitalization of 'Wanted' serves as a literary device to show the pilot's single-minded focus on his family and breakfast.