阅读理解。
Before a new type of airplane goes into service,every part of it
is tested again and again. But there are two tests that are more
important than all the others.
The first is called the" tank test". A modern airplane must fly
very high in the sky. Air must be pumped into the plane so that the
passengers can breathe. The metal structure(结构) of the plane has
to be very strong for this reason. When the plane is filled with air,
the air presses against the skin of the plane inside. The pressure (压
力) on a small window is like a huge foot that is trying to get out. If
a small part of the plane were to fail,the plane would explode in the
sky. To test the structure of the plane, the plane is lowered into a
huge tank or container of water. Then it is filled with air. The pressure
inside the plane is greater than it ever will be when it is high
up in the air. Finally,there is an explosion. This does not cause so
much damage inside the water tank as it would anywhere else.
Engineers can discover which part of the plane has broken. Then that
part is made stronger.
The most dangerous test happens when the new plane is going
through test flights in the air. The test pilot must find out exactly
what happens when the engines(发动机) are all shut off at once.
The plane begins to fall like a stone. It is the pilot's job to find out
how he can get control of the plane again. These two tests are
examples of how planes are made safe before they ever carry passengers.
1. By doing the"tank test" ,the engineers can find out___．
A. the amount of air in the plane
B. the strength of the plane structure
C. the pressure inside and outside the plane
D. the power of the airplane engines
2. What will happen to the plane under the "tank test" ?
A. It will be broken.
B. It will be made stronger.
C. It will be filled with water.
D. It will be tested by pilots.
3. According to the text,why are test flights most dangerous?
A. The plane may explode in the air.
B. The pilot may lose control of the plane.
C. The engines may be damaged.
D. Too much air may get into the plane.
4. What might be the most suitable title for the text?
A. Two Important Tests on Airplanes.
B. The Importance of Flying Safely.
C. The Danger of Testing Airplanes.
D. How Airplanes Are Made and Tested.
