The Black Aeroplane

1. Describe the narrator’s feeling while he was flying his Dakota back to England?

It was one thirty in the morning and the narrator was dreaming of his holiday, favourite
breakfast, hence was very excited. He was looking forward to spend time with his family. He
was filled with happiness and satisfaction, as he was returning home to his family.

2.What risk did the narrator take while flying? Why did he take it?

Paris was about 150 kilometers behind him when he saw the storm clouds. They were huge and
looked like black mountains standing in front of him across the sky. He knew he could not fly up
and over them. He did not have enough fuel to fly around them to the north or south, but he
wanted to go home and have English breakfast. So, he decided to take the risk and flew his
Dakota (name of his plane) right into the storm.

3. What happened when the narrator went inside the black clouds?

When the narrator went inside the black clouds, everything was suddenly black. It was
impossible for the narrator to see anything outside the aircraft. The old aircraft jumped and
twisted in the air. His compass started turning round and round and eventually died. The other
instruments died too including his radio. He had no radio, no compass and could not see where
he was. He got lost in the storm.

4. Why did the narrator follow the pilot of another aeroplane?

The narrator had no radio, no compass and could not see where he was. He got lost in the storm.
Then, in the black clouds quite near him, he saw another aeroplane. It had no lights on its wings,
but he could see it flying next to him through the storm. The pilot lifted one hand and waved. He
indicated the narrator to follow him. The narrator felt that the other pilot knew he was lost and
was trying to help him, so he followed the pilot of another aeroplane.

5. Why was the woman in control room shocked when the narrator asked about another
aeroplane?

According to the woman in the control room, no other aeroplanes were flying that night.
Narrator’s aeroplane was the only one she could see on the radar. Therefore, she was surprised at
the question.

6. Why does the narrator say that he was not sorry to walk away from the old Dakota?

The narrator had a terrible experience flying the old Dakota that day. He probably would have
died if not for the pilot in the mysterious black aeroplane. He was much relieved after the plane
landed. Hence, he said that he was not sorry to walk away from the old Dakota. Moreover, he
wanted to find out who had saved his life, so he quickly left the plane and walked towards the
control room.