Good post here about reinforcing the engine mount with a simple zip tie, also you may want to stress and tape the wing if you try any loops or dives etc because Ive read lots about the wings folding if there not taped. [link=http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=110534&page=2&pp=15]RCGroups.com[/link] I just got a firebird commander and nose dived on the first try also...tried again after a piece of tape and elastic fixed the chunk of wing and canopy I broke on my maiden flight. I have been having a great time ever since. Already looking for a new plane though because Im having WAY too much fun. I found lots of great tips just by doing a google search on Aerobirds and Firebirds, the tips apply pretty much to both lines because there design is very similar. My first crash was a HARD crash but even after that my Commander has flown great for the last two weeks 2-3 times a day even in light wind I have no problems, rolling take-offs I haven't been able to manage yet because it tends to spin out before getting off the ground, but other then that its been a blast. Anyways good luck and have fun with it but make sure to check out the engine mount after your nose dive, mine had shifted forward a bit on one side(barely able to notice and it flew fine like this) and after pushing it back into place and reinforcing it with a zip tie as is recomended in that post and taping the wing for strength its been even better. Anyways, I didn't bookmark it but if you look you can also find a post about reinforcing the boom much like you did because that model is known for it popping out of the mount, like what you mentioned...looks like you figured that out on your own, they also mentioned after that simple fix you should be fine.

BTW, after looking at your picture it looks like your fix is a bit different then was discussed on that post I read, they actually drilled small holes on either side of the plane where the boom attaches inside the fuselage, they mentioned if it pops out of that brakcet its set in it needed to be epoxied or , once again a simple zip tie would do...here is the link, found it while I was typing this. [link=http://www.*********.org/firebird-tips.htm]RC Hobbies[/link]

BTW... read the mod advice closely please if you use it there are some important points, like the engine mount mod mentioned the two capacitors on the back of the engine for noise reduction, if you dont do the mod as instructed a light crash may break those off and cause you problems. If you do it as instructed there not in any danger so please take caution and read it all.

Here is another good link from a guy whos been flying an Aerobird (your planes big brother) for a long time, much of the stuff he has to say apply to your plane as well. [link=http://www.rccyberflyer.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-49.html]R/C Cyberflyer[/link]