What are the two primary uses for plywood in aircraft construction?

• A. Gusset plates and aircraft skin
• B. Ribs and spars
• C. Floor panels and bulkheads
• D. Interior panels only

Answer: (A)

Plywood in aircraft construction is used where a lightweight, stiff sheet can both cover a frame and reinforce joints. The two primary uses are for the aircraft skin and for gusset plates. As skin, plywood provides a smooth, continuous outer surface that, when laminated over a framework, contributes to the overall stiffness of the wing or fuselage and helps maintain the aerodynamic shape. For gusset plates, plywood reinforces joints where multiple members meet, distributing loads from fasteners and preventing local crushing or twisting by tying the members together. Other plywood applications like floor panels or bulkheads exist, but the most characteristic and defining uses in many designs are skin and gussets because they directly affect load distribution, shape, and aerodynamic efficiency.