Why was wood widely used in early aircraft construction?

Wood was widely used in early aircraft construction primarily because it offered a high strength-to-weight ratio. This characteristic meant that wood could provide the necessary structural integrity to support the forces experienced during flight while keeping the overall weight of the aircraft relatively low. The lightweight nature of wood was particularly advantageous during the early days of aviation when minimizing weight was crucial for flight performance and efficiency.

In addition to its favorable strength-to-weight characteristics, wood also had the benefit of being relatively accessible and easier to work with compared to metals. Craftsmen and builders at the time were well-versed in woodworking techniques, which facilitated the construction process. However, it was the combination of strength relative to weight that made wood an optimal choice for early aircraft designs, enabling pioneers in aviation to construct planes that could take to the skies effectively.