NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight – Prose Chapter 3: Two Stories About Flying
Chapter 3, Two Stories About Flying, is one of the most inspiring lessons in the Class 10 English First Flight textbook. The chapter consists of two different stories—His First Flight by Liam O’Flaherty and Black Aeroplane by Frederick Forsyth. Although both stories revolve around flying, they present entirely different experiences and emotions. The first story focuses on a young seagull who is afraid to take his first flight. Through determination, necessity, and encouragement from his family, he overcomes his fear and discovers his true potential. The story highlights the importance of self-confidence and courage in life. For NCERT Solutions for Class 10, check out the NCERT solution for Class 10 English.
The second story, Black Aeroplane, presents a mysterious and thrilling experience of a pilot who gets trapped in a dangerous storm while flying. When all communication and navigation systems fail, a mysterious black aeroplane appears and guides him to safety. The story leaves readers wondering about the identity of the unknown pilot and creates a sense of suspense and mystery. Together, these stories teach valuable lessons about bravery, faith, decision-making, and overcoming challenges. Students preparing for CBSE examinations should understand the themes, characters, and important events of both stories to answer textbook and examination questions effectively. The chapter also helps improve comprehension, critical thinking, and literary appreciation skills.
Find the PDF of NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight-Prose Chapter-3: Two Stories About Flying.
About the Chapter
Two Stories About Flying is divided into two parts:
1. His First Flight
This story narrates the journey of a young seagull who fears flying despite having strong wings. His parents and siblings encourage him to fly, but he remains hesitant. Eventually, hunger forces him to take the leap, and he discovers that he can fly successfully. The story conveys the message that fear can be overcome through confidence and action.
2. Black Aeroplane
The second story follows a pilot flying from Paris to England. He enters a violent storm and loses contact with air traffic control. At a critical moment, a mysterious black aeroplane appears and guides him safely through the storm. After landing, the pilot learns that no other aircraft was detected in the sky, leaving the mystery unsolved.
Important Points of the Chapter
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Chapter Name | Two Stories About Flying |
| Book | First Flight |
| Class | 10 |
| First Story | His First Flight |
| Author | Liam O’Flaherty |
| Main Character | Young Seagull |
| Central Theme | Overcoming fear and gaining confidence |
| Second Story | Black Aeroplane |
| Author | Frederick Forsyth |
| Main Character | The Pilot |
| Central Theme | Mystery, courage, and hope during crisis |
| Key Message of Story 1 | Fear disappears when confidence grows |
| Key Message of Story 2 | Faith and determination help during difficult situations |
| Literary Elements | Suspense, symbolism, motivation, mystery |
| Exam Importance | Character sketches, themes, summaries, and textual questions |
Key Themes Covered in the Chapter
| Theme | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Courage | Both protagonists face challenging situations and overcome them. |
| Self-Belief | Confidence helps the seagull achieve what seemed impossible. |
| Determination | Persistence plays a major role in success. |
| Mystery | The identity of the black aeroplane remains unknown. |
| Family Support | The seagull's family motivates him to become independent. |
| Hope in Crisis | The pilot finds unexpected help during a dangerous storm. |
Learning Outcomes for Students
| Learning Area | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Reading Skills | Better understanding of narratives and themes |
| Vocabulary | Exposure to descriptive and expressive language |
| Critical Thinking | Analysis of character decisions and events |
| Writing Skills | Helps in summary and answer writing |
| Moral Values | Builds confidence, courage, and resilience |
This chapter is highly significant for CBSE Class 10 students because it combines motivation with adventure. The young seagull’s success demonstrates that fear often exists only in the mind and can be conquered through effort and belief. Similarly, the mysterious events in Black Aeroplane encourage readers to remain hopeful even during the most difficult circumstances. By studying this chapter carefully, students can strengthen their understanding of literary themes, improve answer-writing skills, and prepare effectively for school and board examinations.
FAQs for NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 3 Two Stories About Flying
The young seagull was afraid to fly because he lacked confidence in his wings. While his brothers and sisters had already learned to fly, he feared that his wings would not support him. This fear prevented him from taking the first step. Even when encouraged by his family, he remained hesitant and stayed alone on the ledge. His fear reflects a common human experience of doubting one’s abilities. The story shows that fear can limit progress, but confidence and determination can help individuals overcome challenges and achieve success.
The young seagull finally learned to fly when his mother cleverly motivated him. Seeing that he was hungry, she flew towards him carrying a piece of fish. As she stopped just out of his reach, the seagull jumped forward in an attempt to get the food. In doing so, he accidentally left the ledge and began to fall. Soon, his wings spread naturally, and he discovered that he could fly. This experience boosted his confidence and removed his fear. The incident teaches that practical experience often helps overcome self-doubt.
The mysterious woman was a pilot who appeared in a black aeroplane during a severe storm. She guided the narrator safely through the dark clouds when his fuel was running low and he was unable to find his way. However, after landing, the narrator learned from the control tower that no other aircraft had been flying in the area. This created a mystery, leaving readers wondering whether the pilot was a real person, a supernatural helper, or simply an unexplained phenomenon. The story’s suspense makes it memorable and thought-provoking.
The pilot was surprised because he wanted to thank the pilot of the black aeroplane who had helped him during the storm. However, when he spoke to the control tower officials, they informed him that no other aircraft had been detected in the sky that night. This revelation shocked him because he clearly remembered being guided through the storm. The incident created a mystery that remained unsolved. The surprise ending adds suspense to the story and encourages readers to think about whether extraordinary events can sometimes defy logical explanation.