The presented work considers the issue of the usefulness of alternative methods aimed at quickly and effectively identifying local damage to thin-walled composite load-bearing structures. Two ways of identifying destruction are considered, based on the assumption that the damage that occurs during operation causes local changes in the system rigidity. The first method is based on strain gauges. It consists of embedding strain gauges in the structure at the stage of composite production and monitoring of deformation during life cycle. The second of the concepts under consideration is based on modal analysis, carried out using a modal hammer. On the example of the plate band, experimental studies supported by numerical analysis were carried out. The obtained research results and numerical analyzes allowed for the formulation of a number of conclusions, mainly in terms of focusing further research.