That's what most novices feel when they get into this.

However repairs can be VERY easy to do. You have to try to do them though.

Looking back on the first repairs I tried ( which are still flying and working great many years later ) I did a HORRIBLE job, compared to what I'd do now.

Like anything else you have to jump in and learn.

There are sections here that provide great tips on repairing wood/ply planes.

BTW: Balsa is a misnomer and leads to the wrong perception.

Normally the load bearing structures on wood planes are QUITE tough made of hardwoods.

Balsa tends to be used for surfaces that do not get subjected to high loads.


I had a Great Planes EP Reactor which is a small balsa-ply plane.

I ripped the wings out overstressing in in 3D flight (lousy wing joiners on that plane!). I didn't want to repair it, so after stipping the parts I wanted, I stood on it to break the wood down to little pieces. That was to make it easier to throw away.

Much to my surprise, the little plane took my weight and abuse w/o major damage.

I had to hack at it with a hammer to break it apart.