When it comes to my decision on model boats vs mode airplanes.
We run our combat events once a year at a model airplane field, because of the large pond they have. There is typically one unfortunate plane in the garbage can when we arrive on Friday, and we see at least one airplane land in a tree, or pond over the weekend. Most of the time they do not suffer too much damage.

However, my destroyer has been getting shot by ball bearings since 1989. I have only lost two servos to water damage. I was looking at helicopters a few months ago, and had a couple target my pocket book. When I talked to a friend at the local hobby shop, he said, "You always tell me planes crash, your ships just floats there when something goes wrong." I ended up ordering the new "Graupner" Voith Schneider drives instead.

As far as myself and aircraft are concerned, I think that the my ships longevity speaks for itself.