Well Raptor44, living in the south, you just accept bugs and critters as part of the world. They're definitely no fun, but then again, letting several hundred dollars worth of electronics and a plane sit in the trees just because of some bugs is even LESS fun. I'll heal (and it looks like I avoided the red-bugs! THANK GOD!!!! Those little nasties can really make your life miserable!)

I just spoke with the person rebuilding the plane and he got the plane down from the tree..... except for the wing! It was hung up on a branch. So the fuselage + gear is still intact and in good shape. He's putting a new wing on it (he's got a few spares that will fit). The one he's selected has an "ultrakote" covering so it will be alot more durable than the balsa + mylar skin. It's also a little bit wider than the original wing so it should have some pretty forgiving glide characteristics and give it more control on the ailerons (they're bigger too). I'm looking forward to seeing it in it's "new incarnation" and seeing how it will fly. He's built dozens of planes, so I know everything is going to be done with top-notch quality. I can't wait until this Sunday when I get to see it, fly it, and take ownership. I'm practicing like crazy on FMS just to get my eyes and thumbs coordinated to "fly" and (hopefully) keep it OUT of the trees AND the dirt

Like I've said before, you don't find these kind of people who would do THIS much for you. I feel very, very lucky to have met this crew. If even HALF of the people in this sport are even HALF as special and willing to help, I think this is probably the best community going. I hope one day I can do for someone else what others have done for me.