B. READING
I. Look at the sentences below about tourist flights over the continent of Antarctica. Read the text to decide if each sentence is correct or incorrect. If it is correct, mark A on your answer sheet. If it is not correct, mark B on your answer sheet.
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1. Sightseeing flights to Antarctica are available for a limited period each year. 2. You may have to book a flight without being certain when it will happen. 3. Passengers have views of Antarctic scenery for more than half their flight. 4. Passengers can speak to people who have experience of working in Antarctica. 5. Special video equipment operates during the whole flight. 6. People are asked to stay sitting down so that everybody can see better. |
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7. There is an advantage in sitting on one particular side of the plane. 8. Before departure, the pilot chooses between a number of possible routes. 9. A special attraction of the trip is having clear views of Antarctic wildlife. 10. Passengers have the chance to put on clothes designed for travel in Antarctica. |
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ANTARCTICA SIGHTSEEING FLIGHTS WEBSITE
Next flight 31 December!
Welcome to the website. Here is all you need to know before booking a flight.
During the brief Antarctic summer, Antarctica Sightseeing Flights takes tourists in a fullsize passenger plane (Boeing 747) from Sydney, Australia, over the continent of Antarctica and back. Flight dates for next year are not definite yet, but if you make a booking now, your deposit is transferable if we need to change the day.
Questions
These are answers to the most frequently asked questions about Antarctica Sightseeing Flights
How long is the flight?
The average flight is 12 hours. About four hours into the flight, we usually see the first sea ice and icebergs. We spend four hours over Antarctica and the remaining time travelling home. On the way to and from the continent, Antarctica experts who have lived on scientific research stations there give talks on the environment and history, and answer questions. A camera next to the pilot, which is linked to the video system on board, gives you a pilot's eye view throughout, from take-off to landing.
Will I get a seat next to a window?
All passengers are given two boarding passes. At the halfway point of the flight, passengers are asked to move to the seat shown on their second boarding pass. Business and first class passengers will have a window seat for half of the flight and a next-to window seat for the other half. Economy passengers will have a window seat or the seat next to a window seat for half of the flight and an end of row seat for the other half of the flight. While over Antarctica, we encourage passengers to get up from their seats and move about the plane, allowing everyone to share the sightseeing opportunities. The pilot flies in long ‘figure 8s’ over various points of interest to allow these amazing sights to be seen equally well from both sides of the plane.
What happens if the weather is had?
We have 17 different approved flight plans. Our captain looks at the satellite cloud picture on the morning of the flight and selects the direction which promises the clearest views.
Will I see penguins and other wildlife?
As most Antarctic wildlife lives at sea level, over 3,000 metres below the plane, we can't see them in any detail. We do not land on Antarctica, primarily for environmental reasons. To experienee Antarctic wildlife, you would need to join a boat tour.
Can I take photographs?
Definitely! All cameras are welcome. We even provide a few fun onboard photo opportunities where you can experience what it is like to wear Antarctic cold weather clothes.
