A study is conducted to derive and implement a state feedback model reference adaptive control (MRAC) solutions for a 2-D aeroelastic nonlinear system and in evaluating the robustness of different control strategies to damage leading to the deterioration of the structural stiffness characteristics. The standard MRAC, a modified MRAC and the adaptive controller are the three model reference adaptive control solutions analyzed. The standard direct MRAC solution serves as the threshold to assess whether or not the more complex algorithms are an effective improvement to it.