About the Authors
Liam O'Flaherty (Wrote "His First Flight")
Liam O'Flaherty was born on 28 August 1896 in Inishmore, Ireland. He was a famous Irish writer who wrote many short stories and novels about nature, family, and people's feelings. His stories often show how animals and humans face tough times. He lived a simple life on islands and fought in World War 1. He died in 1984. This story teaches us about a bird's bravery.
Frederick Forsyth (Wrote "The Black Aeroplane")
Frederick Forsyth was born on 25 August 1938 in England. He was a pilot in the Air Force when young and later a news reporter. He wrote super exciting books full of adventure and mystery, like The Day of the Jackal. His stories feel real because he knows about planes and danger. He passed away on 9 June 2025. This story is based on flying in bad weather.
What’s the Story About?
This chapter has two short stories about flying. Both are simple but exciting. They show how fear and courage mix when someone tries to fly for the first time.
Story 1: His First Flight
A young seagull (a white sea bird) lives with his family on a tall, scary cliff high above the blue sea. The cliff has a big gap in the middle, like a valley, and another cliff on the other side. His two brothers and one sister have strong wings. They fly across the gap easily, catch tasty fish from the water, and eat happily. But the young seagull is very scared. He thinks, "My wings are weak. If I jump, I will fall into the sea and die!"
He sits alone on his rocky home (called a ledge). He tries silly tricks to get food from his mother, like pretending to fall asleep or walking backwards. His brothers and sister mock (tease) him and fly away laughing. His father and brothers show off by diving into the sea for fish.
The next day, the whole family flies to a new cliff far away. They leave him behind without food! He cries and feels very hungry for a whole day and night. He is weak and mad with hunger.
In the morning, his mother flies back with a big, fat fish in her beak. She comes close but stays in the air over the sea. The fish smells so good! The young seagull jumps to grab it. He falls down fast... but his wings spread out! He does not fall. He flies! He feels the wind under his wings. He cries with joy!
He flies to his mother, eats the fish, then dives into the sea himself. He floats on water, catches his own fish, and flies back. His family cheers and praises him. He feels like a hero. Flying is fun and easy now!
Story 2: The Black Aeroplane
A happy pilot flies his old Dakota plane from Paris (France) to England at night. He looks down at the sleeping city lights. He dreams of landing soon and eating a big breakfast with his wife and baby daughter. Life is perfect!
Suddenly, dark storm clouds fill the sky like a black blanket. No stars or moon. His compass (direction finder) and radio stop working. He can't see anything. Fuel is almost finished! Paris is 150 km behind. He must land fast or crash.
He turns the plane into the clouds. Everything spins. He feels lost and scared. Then, he sees a strange black aeroplane flying next to him! No lights, just black in the storm. Its pilot waves to follow him.
The pilot follows the black plane for 30 minutes through dangerous twists and turns. Finally, they reach a secret airstrip between two hills. He lands safely with just enough fuel.
He runs to thank the black plane pilot... but it's gone! He asks the control room on radio: "Who was flying with me?" They say, "No plane was in the sky that night. You were alone!"
Big mystery! Who saved him?
Who’s Who in the Story
His First Flight
- Young Seagull – The main hero, a scared bird who learns to fly at last.
- Mother – Kind and caring; brings fish and tricks him into flying.
- Father – A strong flyer who encourages and demonstrates diving.
- Elder Brother – Teases the young seagull but flies confidently.
- Other Brother – Also mocks him and enjoys flying freely.
- Sister – Joins in teasing and flies happily with the others.
The Black Aeroplane
- Pilot (I) – The main storyteller; flies his Dakota plane through a dangerous storm.
- Wife – Stays at home, waiting for him with breakfast.
- Daughter – His little girl, who makes him smile and think of home.
- Black Plane Pilot – A mysterious man who appears in another plane, helps him land safely, then vanishes without a trace.
Themes and Moral
Main Themes
- Fear vs Courage: Both heroes are scared at first. But one jump or follow changes everything.
- Family Help: Mother uses hunger to push the bird. Family cheers at end.
- Believe in Yourself: Wings work if you try! Planes fly if you stay calm.
- Mystery in Life: Help comes from unknown places sometimes.
- Joy of Flying: Freedom, wind, sea – flying feels amazing!
Moral Lessons
- Face your fears: Hunger made the bird jump. Storm made pilot follow. Take the first step!
- Family loves you tough: They don't give up on you.
- Miracles happen: Trust when help appears.
- Never give up: Even in dark times, keep going.
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
Simple words with easy meanings (from both stories). Learn them for exams!
🕊️ Words
- Cliff – A tall, steep rock by the sea. (Story: His First Flight)
- Ledge – A narrow, flat place on a rock. (Story: His First Flight)
- Mock – To laugh at and tease someone. (Story: His First Flight)
- Cringe – To shrink back in fear. (Story: His First Flight)
- Alight – To land from the air (like a bird). (Story: His First Flight)
- Expanse – A wide, open space. (Story: His First Flight)
- Dakota – An old type of aeroplane. (Story: Black Aeroplane)
- Navigate – To find your way or direction. (Story: Black Aeroplane)
- Compass – A tool that shows direction. (Story: Black Aeroplane)
- Visibility – How far you can see clearly. (Story: Black Aeroplane)
- Airstrip – A small road or path for planes to land. (Story: Black Aeroplane)
✈️ Phrases
- Muster courage – To gather bravery. (Example: He mustered courage to jump.)
- Dive into – To jump headfirst into water. (Example: The bird dived into the sea.)
- Run out of – To finish completely or have none left. (Example: The plane ran out of fuel.)
- Take off – To start flying. (Example: The plane took off from Paris.)
- Skimmed over – To fly low over a surface. (Example: The birds skimmed over the sea.)
Tip: Use these in sentences daily. They help in writing and speaking! 😊