OK, I think I found a solution. I had some 1/2" diameter magnets lying around, so I glued one to the plate just below the opening for the tailhook. I glued a small bolt inside the aluminum tube of tailhook in the area where the magnet is, and as the tailhook comes out of its storage tube, it snaps onto the magnet below it and stays in position. I think it will resist blowing off of the magnet even with the airloads on it as it is flying. It is no problem at all for the tailhook to overcome the magnet's hold on it and retract normally into the fuse. I think this is now a workable system. I'll fly it in a couple days when I can get out to the field and see how it does.

Cheers

davegee