Page 57 - Grasp English B2 (Student Book)

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Science Aeronautics

flaps - part of the wing of the plane which move up and down during take-off
and landing
runway - the area of an airport where planes take off
rev - to increase the power of an engine
retract - to pull in a part of machinery
aerodynamic - efficient in flight
cruising altitude - the height above sea level where planes fly most economically

A. Discuss with a partner.

1. What skills and characteristics do you think pilots need?
2. How long do you think it takes to train as a pilot?

B. Read the text and answer the questions.

1. According to the text, what environmental factors can affect
take-off?
2. Why does the pilot rev the engines whilst on the runway?
3. What do you understand the Bernoulli Effect to be?
4. Why do planes fly at such high altitudes?

C. Discuss with a partner.

1. Do you know anyone who’s afraid of flying?
2. Do you think knowing the science behind how planes stay in the air would make someone more or
less nervous about flying?
3. Why do you think people are afraid of flying even though it’s statistically safer than driving?

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