What is a disadvantage of using wood in aircraft construction?

Using wood in aircraft construction indeed has some disadvantages, including labor costs. The correct answer highlights that the labor involved in working with wood can be higher compared to materials like aluminum or composites. This is primarily because wood requires specialized skills for shaping, joining, and treatment to ensure durability and to mitigate issues like rot or insect damage. Moreover, this craft often necessitates a more hands-on approach, which can elevate labor expenses.

While wood is known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and some flexibility, these aspects can be more advantageous than disadvantageous in certain aviation contexts. The weight of wood, in contrast to metal alternatives, can vary but isn't universally considered too heavy. Additionally, the notion that wood lacks strength is misleading, as some species of wood are indeed strong and suitable for aviation applications when properly selected and processed. Lastly, flexibility, when within appropriate limits, can actually be a beneficial characteristic in aircraft design, allowing some degree of adaptability without structural failure.