This chapter from the NCERT Class 10 English textbook First Flight contains two inspiring stories about courage, fear, confidence, and survival. The first story, His First Flight, shows how a young seagull overcomes fear and learns to fly. The second story, The Black Aeroplane, is a mysterious tale about a pilot who gets lost in a storm and receives unexpected help. Below are complete step-by-step solutions and explanations for all textbook questions.
Quick Information Box
Topic
Details
Book Name
First Flight
Chapter
3
Chapter Name
Two Stories About Flying
Author
Liam O’Flaherty & Frederick Forsyth
Class
10
Subject
English
Board
CBSE
Main Themes
Courage, Fear, Confidence, Mystery
Concepts Used (Topics Covered)
Overcoming Fear
Self Confidence
Family Support
Risk Taking
Survival Instinct
Mystery and Imagination
Symbolism in Literature
Vocabulary Development
Character Analysis
Important Formulas
There are no mathematical formulas in this English chapter, but important literary concepts include:
Theme = Central idea of the story
Characterization = Description of characters through actions and behavior
Symbolism = Using objects/events to represent deeper meanings
Moral Lesson = Message learned from the story
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions with Explanation
Part I – His First Flight
Q1. Why was the young seagull afraid to fly? Do you think all young birds are afraid to make their first flight? Do you think a human baby also finds it a challenge to take its first steps?
Answer:
The young seagull was afraid to fly because he thought his wings would not support him. Looking down at the vast sea below made him nervous and fearful.
Not all birds are equally afraid. Some are naturally brave, while others are timid and cautious.
Yes, human babies also find it difficult to take their first steps because they fear falling. Like the seagull, they gain confidence gradually through practice and encouragement.
This answer highlights the natural fear faced during learning new skills.
Q2. “The sight of the food maddened him.” What does this suggest? What compelled the young seagull to finally fly?
Answer:
The sentence suggests that the seagull was extremely hungry because he had not eaten for a long time. Hunger became stronger than his fear.
His mother tempted him with a piece of fish and stopped just out of his reach. In his attempt to get the food, he jumped forward and accidentally started flying.
Explanation:
Necessity and survival pushed the seagull to overcome fear.
Q3. Why did the seagull’s parents threaten and cajole him to fly?
Answer:
The seagull’s parents wanted him to become independent. Flying was necessary for survival, so they encouraged and pressured him to take his first flight.
Parents often push children to become confident and self-dependent.
Q4. Have you ever had a similar experience where your parents encouraged you to do something you were scared to try?
Answer:
Yes, when I first learned to ride a bicycle, I was afraid of falling. My parents encouraged me continuously and motivated me not to give up. After several attempts, I finally succeeded.
Explanation:
This is a value-based answer showing personal growth through encouragement.
Q5. Was success guaranteed in such situations, or was trying important regardless of failure?
Answer:
Success was not guaranteed, but trying was important. Without effort and courage, learning is impossible. Failure teaches valuable lessons and builds confidence.
Q1. “I’ll take the risk.” What was the risk? Why did the narrator take it?
Answer:
The risk was flying the aeroplane through dangerous storm clouds. The narrator took the risk because he wanted to reach home quickly and did not have enough fuel to go around the storm.
Sometimes people make risky decisions due to emotional desires and urgency.
Q2. Describe the narrator’s experience inside the storm.
Answer:
Inside the storm, everything became dark. The aeroplane jumped and twisted violently. The compass and radio stopped working, and the narrator lost direction. He became frightened and helpless.
Explanation:
The storm symbolizes confusion, fear, and danger.
Q3. Why does the narrator say, “I landed and was not sorry to walk away from the old Dakota…”?
Answer:
The narrator felt relieved after surviving the dangerous storm. The old Dakota aircraft had almost crashed, so he was happy to safely leave it behind.
The sentence reflects relief after a life-threatening experience.
Q4. What made the woman in the control centre look at the narrator strangely?
Answer:
The woman looked strangely at the narrator because no other aeroplane had been seen on the radar during the storm. She could not understand who had guided him safely.
Explanation:
This creates mystery and suspense in the story.
Q5. Who do you think helped the narrator reach safely?
Answer:
The mysterious black aeroplane may have been an imaginary vision, a supernatural helper, or a symbol of hope and faith. The story leaves the mystery unsolved intentionally.
Explanation:
The open ending makes the story more interesting and imaginative.
