ORIGINAL: lionheart
I've read somewhere that the rubberbands should be replaced each flying session because of fuel and exhaust weakening them. Is that true? Also, it seems to me that the bolt on wing could really get mangled up un a hard crash landing. Is the bolt designed to shear to help prevent this?
The bolt is designed to shear off, unfortunately unless its a really hard crash it doesnt shear off.
My dad also has a Nexstar and cartwheeled it due to a "dumb thumb" at low altitude. The bolt did not shear off. I thought his plane was going to be trashed. To everyones surprise the only thing damaged was about 3 inches of the right side elevator. After seeing that I think the Nexstar is a very durable plane.
As for the rubber bands, Yes you need to use new ones everytime you come to the field. You can make several flights with them, just make sure to check them everytime you go up.