1. Divide the text into logical parts. Think of the subtitle to each part.

2. Explain the difference between :

a) longerons and bulkheads

b) monocoque and semimonocoque fuselage

3. Define the main idea of paragraph F. Find the supporting details that help to develop the main idea.

4. Fill in the diagram with missing information from the text.

5. Look at the text again and answer the questions.

1. What can be housed inside the fuselage structure?

2. What loads act on the fuselage in flight?

3. What are the main members of the fuselage structure?

4. How is the skin joined to the stringers and formers?

5. What purpose are the bulkheads used for?

6. What is the best material for the airplane fuselage?

7. What complicates designer/s task?

8. What is the function of the stressed skin?

6. Read these definitions and remember them.

Longeron – a main longitudinal member of the fuselage

Rivet – a metal pin that is inserted into holes in larger parts to be joined, and then

compressed to produce a permanent fastening

Skin – a material which covers the structure of an airplane

Airframe – the basis structure of a plane, including fuselage, wings and so on.

Bulkhead – an upright partition that serves to divide the airplane into compartments

and to provide structural strength.

Stringer – a longitudinal member that shapes and strengthens the skin.

Vocabulary Focus

1. Give your own definitions for the words from the text.

Crew, fuel, payload, wheel well, assembly, to rivet, aerodynamic load.

2. A) Check if you know the meaning of the following verbs.

To space, to resist, to reinforce, to rely, to depend, to divide, to cover, to derive.

b) Think of other nouns they can go with. Make up your own sentences with the verbs from a).

3. Match the synonyms. Watch out! There is an extra word in the column b.

A B

cover pressure

derive strengthen

divide contain

reinforce split

resist frame

bulkhead shield

bay withstand

assembly obtain

stress compartment

house basis

unit

4. In the text, find the words with the meaning opposite to these words.

Started; flexible; different; broken; insufficient; weak; simplify; inner.