That's a good question.

As a glider pilot, I don't want any part of an automatic release (back
release excepted).

As a tow pilot, I'd rather the glider be released automatically than have
the tug upset and, possibly, driven to the ground.

"son_of_flubber" wrote in message
...
On Saturday, February 8, 2014 11:50:52 AM UTC-5, Dan Marotta wrote:
The standard setup is to use a Schweizer hook which is rigidly mounted in

pitch and can swivel around the yaw axis.

Yeah but. Why does the tug pilot have to pull anything when a glider
kites? The tug pilot should of course have the option to release at any
time.

Here is the 1870 patent for something that look a lot like the Schweitzer
tow hook. Click on the thumbnail for a drawing.
http://rec.aviation.soaring/

The Tost hook still requires the tug pilot to pull a lever (though the
automatic "back release" on the glider side is nice.)