What type of wood is generally considered less suitable for aviation due to weight and durability issues?

Softwoods are generally considered less suitable for aviation applications primarily due to their lighter weight and lesser strength compared to hardwoods. While softwoods can have useful applications in some non-structural parts of aircraft or in certain specific circumstances, they typically do not have the same load-bearing capabilities and durability needed for critical structures.

Hardwoods, in contrast, are denser and provide greater strength, making them more suitable for components that require higher durability and resistance to deformation under stress. Engineered woods can offer specific design benefits such as increased strength-to-weight ratios and improved resistance to environmental factors, making them desirable in aviation contexts. Plywood, being a composite of wood layers, can be manufactured to exhibit both strength and lightweight characteristics that are advantageous in aviation.

Therefore, the structural requirements and performance standards in aviation limit the practical applications for softwoods, making them a less preferable choice in comparison to the other options provided.