Thanks for all the replies to my initial post guys. I see two viewsone that sees it being my fault for not knowing spare parts aren't available, then those who have dealt with this company themselves and know to avoid them.
I may just buy a second same plane, as much as I want to boycott them. Does anyone know if there is flight simulator software out there where one can use the supplied transmitter with a TV or computer and a virtual plane that behaves somewhat close to the ART Tech Diamond 2500?