VOA慢速英语:Are We Safer Without Pilots in the Cockpit?

短语讲解：

1. Officials say the co-pilot flew the airplane directly into a mountain on purpose.

on purpose 并非偶然地; 故意地
例句：I'm sorry, I didn't do it on purpose.
对不起，我不是存心这么做的。

2. Some suggest, at the very least, letting officials on the ground take control of a plane if a pilot is acting strangely in the cockpit.

take control of 控制
例句：There must be someone who can take control of these naughty children.
应该有人能管住这些淘气的孩子。

3. But some experts worry about doing the same for passenger aircraft.

worry about 担忧，烦恼;惦念
例句：Don't worry about me, darling.
你不必替我操心，亲爱的。

4. She and other experts believe cargo planes will be the first aircraft to fly over the U.S. without pilots.

fly over 飞过;飞到另一个地方去
例句：They were the first two Englishmen to fly over the Atlantic.
他们是最先飞越大西洋的两个英国人。

5. In addition, ground-based pilots would be able to have normal eight-hour work days, even if their plane is in the air for 12 hours. 
 
be able to 能够
例句：You should be able to converse comfortably.
你应该能够舒服地进行谈话。

6. Ms. Cummings says these changes could take place in 10 or 15 years.

take place 发生，举行
例句：Earthquakes take place far underground.
地震则发生在地球的极深处。

7. In his words, “pilots do not often face extreme challenges” and might not be able to deal with an emergency if it happens.

deal with 处理
例句：I have a huge pile of letters to deal with.
我有一大堆信件要处理。