What is a disadvantage of using solid wood in aircraft design?

The chosen answer highlights a significant disadvantage of utilizing solid wood in aircraft design, which is the presence of defects in the material. Solid wood can inherently have irregularities such as knots, splits, warping, and grain inconsistencies. These defects can adversely affect the structural integrity and performance of aircraft components. In critical applications like aviation, where safety and reliability are paramount, the presence of defects could compromise the strength and aerodynamic properties of the wood structure, making it less suitable for high-stress environments.

While factors such as sourcing costs, shaping difficulty, and potential instability when dry are also valid considerations in evaluating wood for aviation purposes, the presence of defects poses the most immediate risk by impacting the overall performance and safety standards essential in aircraft design. Thus, considering the potential for defects in solid wood is essential when making material choices for aviation applications.