CBSE Class 10 English Two Stories about Flying II Black Aeroplane Assignment Set 03

Short Answer Type Questions

Question. What did the narrator feel while flying over France back to England ?
Answer: While piloting his Dakota back to England, the author observed a bright moon rising behind him and glittering stars in a clear sky. He felt a sense of peaceful joy being solitary in the high skies over the quiet landscape, eagerly anticipating his upcoming vacation and reunion with his household.
In simple words: The pilot felt peaceful and happy flying on a clear night. He was dreaming about his upcoming holidays and seeing his family.

Exam Tip: Capture the contrast between the peaceful, starry sky at the start and the chaotic storm that followed later.

Question. Why did the narrator want to meet the woman in control tower ?
Answer: Deeply grateful to have survived a perilous flight, the flyer sought out the control tower staff. He hoped she could help him identify and locate the pilot of the dark aircraft who had guided him to a safe landing, so he could express his gratitude.
In simple words: The pilot wanted to find the woman in the control tower so she could tell him who the other pilot was, allowing him to say thank you.

Exam Tip: Note that his primary motive was to express gratitude to the mysterious pilot who saved his life.

Question. At what time and how did the narrator contact Paris Control for the first time ?
Answer: The pilot first reached out to Paris Control at approximately 1:30 AM after spotting the distant lights of a metropolitan area. Tuning his radio, he identified his aircraft as Dakota DS 088 and announced that he was heading toward England.
In simple words: At 1:30 in the morning, the pilot saw city lights, turned on his radio, and told Paris Control that he was flying to England.

Exam Tip: Make sure to mention both the exact time (one-thirty in the morning) and the radio call sign (Dakota DS 088).

Question. What response did the narrator get from Paris Control? How did he react thereafter ?
Answer: Upon making contact, the control station instructed the flyer to adjust his course twelve degrees to the west. He immediately consulted his navigation charts and compass, activated his final reserve fuel tank, and guided his Dakota on the recommended westward heading.
In simple words: Paris Control told the pilot to turn twelve degrees west. He checked his map, switched to his last fuel tank, and made the turn.

Exam Tip: Break the reaction into three clear steps: checking instruments, switching fuel tanks, and changing direction.

Question. The narrator thought, “I ought to go back to Paris.” Did the narrator fly his Dakota back to Paris ?
Answer: Although he considered returning to France when faced with the terrifying storm clouds, he decided against it. His strong desire to get home and enjoy a hearty morning meal with his family motivated him to keep flying forward despite the extreme danger.
In simple words: No, he did not go back to Paris because he was too eager to get home and have a big English breakfast.

Exam Tip: Clearly answer "No" first, then explain the psychological pull of his home and the imagined breakfast.

Question. What sort of aeroplane did the narrator see in the black clouds ?
Answer: While stranded inside the dark storm, the pilot spotted a mysterious aircraft flying closely alongside him. This strange plane had no navigation lights on its wings, yet its outline was visible to him through the thick clouds.
In simple words: He saw a strange black plane with no lights on its wings flying right next to him in the dark clouds.

Exam Tip: Highlight the most unusual feature of the plane: the complete lack of lights on its wings.

Question. How did the narrator come out of the clouds and reach safely ?
Answer: By closely following the mysterious dark plane like a compliant child, the pilot eventually escaped the dense storm. Upon exiting the clouds, he spotted two parallel rows of glowing lights ahead, which marked an airport runway, bringing him immense relief.
In simple words: The pilot followed the black plane out of the storm and saw the bright lights of a runway, realizing he was safe.

Exam Tip: Mention the pilot's blind trust in the mysterious guide and the sight of the runway lights that signaled safety.

Question. Was the pilot of the Dakota able to meet the pilot of the black aeroplane ?
Answer: No, he was unable to contact his savior. Although he wished to find and express his gratitude to the helper pilot after touching down, both the mysterious dark aircraft and its flyer had vanished without a trace.
In simple words: No, because the mysterious black plane and its pilot disappeared completely after they landed.

Exam Tip: Note that his desire to meet the pilot was driven by gratitude, but the mysterious helper vanished.

Question. What did the narrator ask the woman in the control centre ? What was her reply ?
Answer: Upon making a safe landing, the aviator hurried to the desk to ask where he had landed and where he could find the pilot who rescued him. The assistant reacted with surprise and amusement, informing him that no other aircraft had been flying in the storm that night, and hers was the only plane visible on the screen. This left the pilot with a deep mystery regarding his survival on empty tanks.
In simple words: He asked where he was and who the other pilot was. She laughed and said his plane was the only one in the sky on her radar.

Exam Tip: Focus on the contrast between the pilot's gratitude and the woman's shock/laughter due to the empty radar.

Question. The narrator could have gone back to Paris. What stopped him from doing so?
Answer: Although he was 150 kilometers past Paris when he encountered mountain-like storm clouds, his desire to see his family prevented him from turning back. His anticipation of enjoying a classic breakfast at home outweighed the risks, driving him to fly directly into the tempest.
In simple words: He didn't go back because he was too excited to see his family and have a delicious breakfast at home.

Exam Tip: Mention the specific distance from Paris (150 km) and how his home-sickness overcame his survival instincts.

Question. The narrator kept calling Paris Control, but they could not hear him. How did the narrator find himself lost in the storm?
Answer: As he entered the storm, his radio stopped working, leaving him unable to get any response from the control team. To his horror, he watched his compass spin aimlessly, indicating it was broken, and his other dashboard devices quickly failed as well, leaving him completely disoriented and isolated.
In simple words: His radio and compass broke, and the other instruments died, leaving him with no way to navigate or call for help.

Exam Tip: Use keywords like "dead radio," "spinning compass," and "instrument failure" to describe how he got lost.

Question. What happened when the narrator turned the aeroplane twelve degrees west towards England?
Answer: Right after steering his plane twelve degrees to the west, he was confronted by colossal storm clouds that resembled dark, towering peaks blocking the horizon.
In simple words: After turning west, the pilot faced massive dark clouds that looked like giant black mountains in the sky.

Exam Tip: Describe the visual comparison used in the text - the clouds looking like "black mountains."

Question. Describe the black clouds as the pilot saw them.
Answer: While traveling from France, about 150 kilometers into his journey, the pilot encountered colossal storm clouds. They appeared as massive, dark, mountain-like barriers stretching across his path.
In simple words: The storm clouds were massive, dark, and looked like giant black mountains blocking the pilot's path.

Exam Tip: Make sure to mention the distance (150 kilometers from France) and the mountain imagery.

Question. Why did the writer feel frightened once again?
Answer: After trailing the mysterious dark aircraft for nearly thirty minutes through the storm, the flyer checked his fuel gauges. He was terrified to find that his tanks held only enough fuel for another five to ten minutes of flight.
In simple words: He got scared again because, after following the black plane for half an hour, he noticed he only had enough fuel left for 5 or 10 minutes.

Exam Tip: Explain that his initial relief turned back to fear due to the critical fuel situation (only 5-10 minutes left).

Long Answer Type Questions

Question. Which qualities must a person have to overcome the situation ? Explain these qualities in reference to the lesson ‘Black Aeroplane’.
Answer: To navigate severe life crises, one must possess deep courage, strong resolve, and unwavering determination. These strengths build mental resilience and keep us grounded in moments of panic. In the story, the flyer encountered a terrifying situation when his fuel ran low and he was swallowed by mountain-like storm clouds. With his compass and radio completely dead and his plane twisting violently in the air, he did not surrender to fear. His determination to reach his family gave him the strength to take the risk, and his courage allowed him to calmly follow the mysterious guide to safety.
In simple words: To survive tough times, we need courage and determination. The pilot survived because he stayed brave and kept trying even when his instruments broke.

Exam Tip: Define key traits like "courage" and "determination" and explain how they specifically kept the pilot from giving up during the flight.

Question. What was the narrator dreaming and looking forward to while flying his Dakota in clear sky ?
Answer: At 1:30 AM, while cruising through a clear, starry night sky over France, the pilot was enjoying a peaceful flight above the quiet countryside. He was in high spirits, dreaming about his upcoming vacation and looking forward to reuniting with his family in England. After receiving directions from Paris Control to turn twelve degrees west, he happily complied, imagining himself sitting down to a wonderful breakfast with his loved ones in the morning.
In simple words: The pilot was dreaming of his holiday and looking forward to having a big breakfast with his family while flying on a peaceful, clear night.

Exam Tip: Focus on his happy mental state and his dreams of holidaying and having a family breakfast.

Question. What did the narrator decide when he saw the stormy clouds ?
Answer: When the pilot spotted the massive, mountain-like storm clouds blocking his path 150 kilometers past Paris, he realized he didn't have enough fuel to fly over or around them. Although his first instinct was to return to Paris to avoid the extreme danger, his intense desire to join his family for breakfast made him change his mind. He chose to take the ultimate risk and steered his Dakota straight into the storm.
In simple words: When he saw the giant storm, he first wanted to go back to Paris. But because he wanted to see his family so much, he chose to fly straight into the clouds.

Exam Tip: Clearly contrast his initial logical thought (returning to Paris) with his emotional decision (flying into the storm for his family).

Question. The narrator asks a question at the end : “Who was the pilot on the strange black aeroplane, flying in the storm, without lights ?” Discuss.
Answer: This final question highlights the central mystery of the story. After navigating a perilous storm with dead instruments and empty fuel tanks, the pilot was guided to safety by an unlit black plane. However, the control tower operator confirmed that his Dakota was the only aircraft visible on the radar that night. This leaves the identity of the savior open to interpretation. It could have been a supernatural or divine intervention saving a desperate man, or perhaps a vivid psychological hallucination triggered by extreme stress and his intense survival instinct.
In simple words: The identity of the mystery pilot remains unsolved. It might have been a supernatural force helping him, or just a trick of his own mind trying to survive the crisis.

Exam Tip: Provide both key interpretations: a supernatural/divine helper versus a psychological projection/hallucination born out of extreme crisis.

Question. Do you agree that this story is a mystery ? Justify.
Answer: Yes, the narrative is undoubtedly a mystery because the helper's existence defies logical explanation. After losing his way in a fierce storm with broken navigation tools, the pilot was guided out of danger by an unlit, dark aircraft. When he tried to identify this savior at the airport, the radar operator confirmed that no other flights existed that night. Because there is no factual explanation for how he was guided or who the other pilot was, the story remains an unresolved riddle.
In simple words: Yes, the story is a mystery because a strange, unlit plane helped the pilot survive, but the radar showed no other planes were in the sky.

Exam Tip: Highlight that the lack of any radar evidence is the key proof that makes the story an unsolved mystery.

Question. How did the weather change during the flight ? Describe the narrator’s journey through the storm clouds.
Answer: The flight began with a clear, starry sky, but changed drastically 150 kilometers past Paris when massive, mountain-like storm clouds blocked the path. Refusing to turn back and lacking the fuel to fly over them, the pilot flew straight into the tempest. Inside the clouds, complete darkness enveloped the cockpit, and his plane began pitching and rolling violently as his navigation systems failed.
In this helpless state, he spotted an unlit dark plane flying nearby. The stranger waved and positioned his plane ahead of the Dakota, guiding the narrator through the turbulence for about thirty minutes until they emerged from the clouds to find a safe runway.
In simple words: The clear sky turned into a dark, mountain-like storm. Inside the clouds, the pilot couldn't see anything and his plane shook, but a mysterious pilot guided him safely out.

Exam Tip: Clearly describe the transition: start with the clear night, then the sudden appearance of mountain-like clouds, the loss of control, and finally the guided escape.

Question. “I’ll take the risk.” The narrator did take the risk. What difficulties did he face ? Who do you think must have helped him ? As a pilot what would you do in such a situation ? Take risk or take a wise decision ?
Answer: Massive storm clouds loomed ahead of the pilot. They appeared as dark, towering peaks blocking his path across the heavens. Although he was well aware that soaring above these barriers was impossible, the flyer chose to plunge directly into the tempest. This was an extremely hazardous choice. Visibility outside the cockpit dropped to absolute zero. His aging aircraft began tossing and turning violently in the turbulent wind. Crucial navigation equipment, such as the radio and directional compass, stopped functioning entirely. He found himself completely disoriented amidst the dark clouds. His desperation to survive and touch down safely likely made him hallucinate a second aircraft with a pilot leading the way. An intense determination to get back to his homeland enabled him to navigate through the crisis on his own. The operator at the control tower later confirmed that no other flights were airborne during that stormy night. When he attempted to express his gratitude to his savior, the receptionist clarified that his Dakota was the sole signal visible on their tracking screens. Consequently, it was solely his inner resolve and mental strength that guided him out of danger. If I were faced with a parallel crisis, I would refrain from making such a reckless and life-threatening choice, regardless of my eagerness to reach my destination. Turning back toward the closest airfield would definitely be the most prudent and secure course of action.
In simple words: The pilot faced massive storm clouds, lost all working instruments, and was completely blind. He was guided to safety by what seemed to be a mysterious black plane, which was likely a projection of his own strong determination to survive. If anyone else were in his place, the safest option would have been to turn back to the nearest airport.

Exam Tip: To score full marks, clearly highlight the failure of the plane's instruments - the compass and radio - and emphasize the role of the pilot's inner strength and subconscious mind in saving him.

Question. The narrator made every possible endeavour to save himself. He did not lose hope in dire situations. What values helped him endure the critical situation bravely? Discuss in 100-120 words.
Answer: The pilot was running extremely low on petrol. Because of this shortage, he realized it was impossible to soar above the storm or bypass it by flying north or south. Nonetheless, his deep desire to return home and share morning breakfast with his family motivated him to take the dangerous step of flying directly into the dark clouds. This choice reflects his deep affection and attachment to his family. Furthermore, his decision to confront the storm head-on to conserve his remaining fuel demonstrates immense courage and determination. In his desperate bid for survival, he showed complete trust by following the mysterious guide, believing the stranger would lead him to safety.
In simple words: The pilot chose to fly through the dangerous storm because of his deep love for his family and his desire to reach home. His bravery and absolute trust in the mysterious helper helped him overcome the crisis.

Exam Tip: Highlight specific values such as courage, love for family, optimism, and presence of mind when answering value-based questions on this chapter.

Question. Describe the first pilot’s experience with the black clouds. How did he get out of these clouds?
                                                         Or
Recount the experience of the pilot of the Dakota inside the black clouds.
                                                         Or
What did the pilot of the Dakota experience inside the black clouds?
Answer: Having traveled about 150 kilometers away from Paris, the aviator encountered massive dark clouds. They resembled giant, dark mountains blocking his entire path across the sky. Knowing that his remaining fuel was insufficient to fly over or circle around them, he was trapped. Upon entering the storm, absolute darkness enveloped the aircraft. All external visibility vanished instantly. The vintage Dakota began tossing and turning violently in the air while its vital controls, including the compass and wireless system, failed completely. Disoriented and cut off from communication, he was entirely stranded in the tempest. Unexpectedly, a mysterious second aircraft emerged through the darkness. Despite lacking wing-lights, its pilot was visible waving and gesturing for the narrator to follow. By staying close behind this savior, the flyer successfully managed to escape the storm clouds.
In simple words: Inside the dark storm, the pilot's plane shook violently and all his instruments failed, leaving him lost. A mysterious black plane with no lights appeared and guided him safely out of the clouds.

Exam Tip: Mention critical details like the distance from Paris (150 km), the mountain-like appearance of the clouds, and the specific failure of the compass and radio to get maximum marks.

Question. The narrator asked a question at the end of the lesson ‘The Black Aeroplane’, “Who was the pilot in the strange black aeroplane?” Answer this question.
Answer: The identity of the flyer in the mysterious dark aircraft remains an unsolved puzzle. One possibility is that it was the spirit of a deceased pilot whose own craft had perished in a storm, prompting him to protect others from a similar fate. This would explain why this entity materialized suddenly to lead the narrator toward safety, only to dissolve into the darkness once the rescue was complete. Alternatively, the entire encounter could have been a hallucination created by the protagonist's own mind during an extremely stressful situation. Ultimately, the narrative leaves this riddle open-ended, letting readers choose between a supernatural explanation and a psychological one.
In simple words: The pilot's identity remains a mystery. It could either be a helpful ghost of a crashed pilot or simply a trick of the narrator's own mind helping him stay brave and survive the storm.

Exam Tip: When discussing the mystery of the black plane, always provide both perspectives - the supernatural (a guardian ghost) and the psychological (the pilot's own subconscious/hallucination).

Question. Your friend was the pilot who was flying from Paris to England when he was lost in the storm clouds. Narrate his experience to your family and tell them how he was rescued by a strange black plane and its pilot.
Answer: Recently, a close friend of mine who works as a pilot went through an incredibly bizarre ordeal. While traveling by air from Paris to England, he was trapped inside massive storm clouds. All his essential navigation systems, including the compass and radio transmitters, completely stopped working. He was unable to determine his heading. Surrounded by the fierce tempest, he began to lose hope. At that critical moment, a mysterious unlit dark aircraft appeared alongside him. The flyer inside gestured with his hand, instructing my friend to stay behind him. This helper guided him safely through the turbulent sky until they reached an airfield. However, when my friend turned around to show his appreciation, both the pilot and his aircraft had vanished. Upon asking the operator at the terminal, he was shocked to learn that his was the only flight tracked by radar that night. The mystery of his savior remains unsolved, but we are just glad he made it back safely.
In simple words: My pilot friend got lost in a dark storm with broken instruments. A mysterious unlit plane guided him to safety, but it disappeared after landing and never showed up on radar.

Exam Tip: This is an informal narration question. Maintain a conversational and narrative tone suitable for sharing an exciting story with family members.

Question. Describe the flight of the pilot before he encountered dark clouds.
Answer: The narrator of this tale is a commercial pilot. On a particular night, he was piloting his vintage Dakota plane across the skies of France. The sky above was clear and filled with shining stars. His destination was England. He was filled with excitement at the prospect of enjoying a vacation alongside his family, making him highly optimistic. Checking his timepiece, he noted that the time was half-past one in the morning. Using his radio system, he established communication with the flight controllers in Paris. The controllers instructed him to alter his course by twelve degrees to the west. He promptly followed these navigation instructions. After traveling approximately 150 kilometers beyond Paris, he suddenly noticed massive dark clouds ahead. He could not fly above this barrier due to its height, and his fuel reserve was too low. Thus, navigating around the mountain-like formations was out of the question. Consequently, he chose to brave the danger and steered his aircraft directly into the storm.
In simple words: The pilot was flying his Dakota from France to England under a clear, starry sky. After contacting Paris Control for directions, he ran into massive storm clouds 150 kilometers away and decided to fly straight into them.

Exam Tip: Focus strictly on the events - before - the storm, such as the clear weather, his thoughts of holiday and breakfast, and his communication with Paris Control.

Question. ‘Everything was going well - was an easy flight.’ Why was the pilot happy?
                                      Or
Give two reasons why the pilot was happy?
Answer: The aviator was operating his aircraft under a cloudless sky, with a rising moon behind him and stars sparkling overhead. He thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful solitude of gliding above the quiet towns, eagerly anticipating his upcoming vacation with his loved ones. The anticipation of arriving just in time to enjoy a hearty breakfast at home filled him with joy. At this stage, everything was proceeding perfectly. He was receiving clear radio directions from the controllers in Paris, guiding his path accurately. Additionally, all his equipment was functioning correctly and his fuel levels were sufficient. This made the initial phase of the journey exceptionally smooth and effortless.
In simple words: The pilot was happy because the weather was clear, his instruments were working perfectly, and he was excited to reach home on time to have breakfast with his family.

Exam Tip: Mention at least two distinct reasons: the peaceful weather/atmosphere and the pilot's anticipation of reaching home for a family breakfast.

Question. Do you agree that the story ‘The Black Aeroplane’ is a mystery? Justify your answer.
Answer: The narrative certainly qualifies as a mystery, as the author leaves several key questions unresolved, keeping the readers intrigued. One cannot help but wonder about the identity of the dark aircraft's pilot and whether that plane genuinely existed or was merely a creation of the narrator's panicked mind. It could have been a hallucination, or perhaps the spirit of a deceased pilot returning to guide another flyer away from disaster. Because these queries are never answered, the story preserves an air of inexplicable supernatural occurrences. Ultimately, the resolution is left entirely to the reader's interpretation and imagination.
In simple words: The story is a mystery because we never find out who the pilot of the black plane was. It leaves us to wonder if it was a real ghost or just the narrator's imagination.

Exam Tip: Use words like "hallucination," "supernatural," "unresolved," and "subconscious" to write a sophisticated answer that secures full marks.

Extract Based Questions

Question. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follows :
After half an hour the strange black aeroplane was still there in front of me in the clouds. Now there was only enough fuel in the old Dakota’s last tank to fly for five or ten minutes more/was starting to feel frightened again. But then he started to go down and I followed through the storm. 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! 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.
(i) How would you describe the mental state of the pilot when he saw two long straight lines of lights in front of him?
(a) freedom and liberty
(b) respite and relief
(c) reinforcement and support
(d) saturation and stress
(ii) In the statement, ‘I turned to look for my friend in the black aeroplane, but the sky was empty’ why does the author refer to a stranger as ‘my friend’?
(iii) The author calls the black aeroplane ‘strange’ because _____.
(iv) Find the best synonym for the phrasal verb ‘to look for’ in the passage from the options given below.
(a) seek out (b) pursue
(c) rummage through (d) scan thoroughly
Answer:
(i) (b) respite and relief
(ii) The pilot regarded the unknown flyer as a close companion because the stranger had rescued him from certain doom, guiding him patiently through the dangerous storm for over thirty minutes to a secure landing.
(iii) it materialized abruptly out of the dark storm clouds without warning.
(iv) (a) seek out
In simple words: The pilot felt incredibly relieved when he saw the runway lights. He considered the other pilot his friend because the stranger had saved his life, and he called the plane strange because it appeared and disappeared mysteriously.

Exam Tip: Clearly explain the change in the pilot's emotions from extreme panic (due to low fuel) to immense relief (upon spotting the runway) to score full marks.

Question. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follows :
I landed and was not sorry to walk away from the old Dakota near the control tower. I went and asked a woman in the control centre where I was and who the other pilot was. I wanted to say ‘Thank you’. She looked at me very strangely, and then laughed. “Another aeroplane? Up there in this storm? No other aeroplanes were flying tonight. Yours was the only one I could see on the radar.” So who helped me to arrive there safely without a compass or a radio, and without any more fuel in my tanks? Who was the pilot on the strange black aeroplane, flying in the storm, without lights?
(i) Why was the narrator not sorry to walk away from the old Dakota?
(a) The ordeal was finally over and he was relieved.
(b) He worried that the aircraft which was without fuel might explode.
(c) He wanted his big English breakfast.
(d) The Dakota was jinxed according to him.
(ii) The author says that, ‘She looked at me very strangely, and then laughed.’ What made the woman laugh?
(iii) What is the significance of the so many questions put up by the pilot?
(a) They signify that the pilot was going through a big confusion.
(b) They signify that the pilot was hallucinating.
(c) They signify that it was all an unresolved mystery.
(d) They signify that the pilot was superstitious.
(iv) Replace the word ‘strangely’ in the passage with the most appropriate option from those given below so as it does not change the meaning of the sentence.
(a) abnormally (b) unusually
(c) weirdly (d) eerily
Answer:
(i) (a) The ordeal was finally over and he was relieved.
(ii) The attendant laughed because the idea of another aircraft navigating that intense storm seemed completely absurd and impossible.
(iii) (c) They signify that it was all an unresolved mystery.
(iv) (c) weirdly
In simple words: The pilot was relieved that his life-threatening ordeal was over. The control room lady laughed because no other plane was in the sky, leaving the pilot's rescue a complete mystery.

Exam Tip: Focus on the woman's reaction - her laughter and surprise emphasize the absolute impossibility of another plane being in the sky, heightening the mystery.