Page 100
High flyers
I can talk about the history of aviation.
HIGH FLYERS
In 2003, the world celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first aircraft. Orville and Wilbur Wright in the USA came up with the first heavier-than-air plane. It took them more than 4 years to make their idea come true. Its historic 12-second flight on December 17th, 1903 was the starting point of the world aviation.
In 1908, Léon Delagrange became the first air passenger when he flew with French pilot Henri Farman in Paris. Six years later, on January 1st, the first scheduled air service operated between St. Petersburg in Russia and Tampa in Florida, the USA. From here on aviation started to develop very fast.
Aviation becomes a popular means of transport. Innovations in material and engine-making technology help make lighter, stronger and safer kinds of planes. Travelling by air is more affordable. People can fly anywhere like a bird.
1. 🎧2.31 Read and listen to the text. Write dates before the following statements.
_______ The world celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first heavier-than-air craft.
_______ The first airplane took off.
_______ Léon Delagrange became the first flight passenger.
_______ The first scheduled air service began.
2. Match the words in blue in the text with definitions.
1. Weighing more than the air
2. Becoming cheaper and cheaper
3. Produce something
4. New ideas or methods
5. A routine air transport service according to a timetable
3. Read the text again and answer the questions.
1. Who made the first airplane?
2. Who was the first air passenger?
3. How long did the first flight on December 17th, 1903 last?
4. What was the first airway?
5. Why is travelling by air cheaper now?
4. 
YOUR CULTURE Work in groups to complete the table. Use the following questions to help you.
Where do you often go on your holidays?
How do you go there?
How long does it take?
How much do you spend on the fares?
| Destination | Means of transport | Duration | Fares |
5. 
USE IT! Work in pairs. Plan a flight for your holiday. Use the following phrases.
... and I are going to spend our holiday in ...
We will fly ...
The plane takes off at ... and lands at ...
It takes us ...
We hope ...
