Definition
A fitting installed on an aircraft, typically a glider or sailplane, that connects to the towline used by a tow plane or ground winch to launch the aircraft into the air. The towhook is designed to release the line cleanly when the pilot activates the release mechanism or when a preset load is exceeded.
Plain English
A small hook on a glider that the tow rope clips into. When the glider is high enough, the pilot pulls a release and the rope falls away.
Context Anchor
Seen on aircraft equipped for glider towing, banner towing, or similar towing operations.
Why Pilots Care
A reliable towhook is essential for safe glider launches, allowing controlled release and preventing dangerous situations if the rope cannot be dropped.
Intuition Check
Do not think of a towhook as just an ordinary open hook. In aviation use, it is a controlled release device that must attach securely and let go when the pilot commands it.
Example Sentence 1
Once the glider reached release altitude, the pilot pulled the handle and the towhook let the line fall away.
Example Sentence 2
At pattern altitude the pilot pulled the release knob to open the towhook and drop the rope.