A theoretical analysis and quantitative experiments are performed to examine the effect of damping on the stability of a Reut-type nonconservative model. The model consists of two similar rigid rods, and is subjected to a nonconservative force produced by an impinging air jet. Damping due to an attached dash-pot is taken into account, as well as internal and external damping. The effect of damping configuration on stability is demonstrated in detail. The change in flutter force is discussed when the location of a dash-pot shifts along the rods. There exists an optical location for a dash-pot in stabilizing the model. Experimental results are compared with a theoretical prediction obtained by taking measured damping coefficients into account.