Why is solid wood rarely utilized in aircraft structures?

Solid wood is rarely utilized in aircraft structures primarily due to the difficulty of sourcing defect-free material. In aviation, safety and performance are of utmost importance, so materials must meet stringent quality standards.

Wood can have natural imperfections such as knots, splits, and variations in density, which can significantly impact its strength and reliability. Defects can lead to weaknesses in the structure, making it unsuitable for the high-stress environments that aircraft operate in. Even small flaws might become critical under aerodynamic loads or during flight.

While weight, warping issues, and structural integrity are important considerations in material selection, the challenge in ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality, defect-free wood makes it less practical for aviation use. Consequently, alternative materials such as aluminum, composite materials, and advanced alloys are favored because they can be manufactured with more uniformity and reliability.