SocMan,

First, everyone is assuming you mean on a standard balsa and covering type plane (i.e., typical .40 sized trainer). Remember, there is a whole world of electrics that have foamies and other body types.

In any case, in my limited experience, balsa that breaks usually has to be replaced. However, most ARF manufacturers will sell you a new wing or fuselage, so its not usually necessary to tear the piece down and rebuild it from naked balsa (unless that's what you want to ).

Also, most of the commonly "dinged" pieces can be replaced, engine mounts, landing gear, etc..

Finally, a trainer usually doesn't fly all that fast, and if you use an instructor then use common sense, isn't all that likely to go nose down into the dirt at a hundred miles an hour. My most serious crash (in six months of training and soloing) resulted in a cracked engine mount.

GB