Editing Tailhook (section)

===Method===
[[File:MiG-29K at MAKS-2007 airshow (3).jpg|thumb|[[Mikoyan MiG-29K|MiG-29K]] with hook down]]
Prior to making an "arrested landing", the pilot lowers the hook so that it will contact the ground as the aircraft wheels touch down.  The hook then drags along the surface until an arresting cable, stretched across the landing area, is engaged.  The cable lets out, transferring the energy of the aircraft to the arresting gear through the cable.  A "trap" is often-used slang for an arrested landing.  An aircraft which lands beyond the arresting cables is said to have "[[bolter (aviation)|boltered]]."  Occasionally, the tailhook bounces over one or more of the wires, resulting in a "hook skip bolter."<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 September  2003 |title=COMNAVAIRFOR INSTRUCTION 3740.1: CARRIER QUALIFICATION (CQ) OPERATIONS |url=http://www.wings-of-gold.com/cnatra/CNAF%203740.1%20(CQ)%20Sep03.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718063300/http://www.wings-of-gold.com/cnatra/CNAF%203740.1%20(CQ)%20Sep03.pdf |archive-date=2011-07-18 |access-date=2010-05-14 |website=wings-of-gold.com}}</ref>

In the case of an aborted land-based takeoff, the hook can be lowered at some point (typically about 1000 feet) prior to the cable. Should a tailhook of an aircraft become inoperative or damaged, naval aviators have limited options: they can divert to shore-based runways if any are within range, or they can be "[[Arresting gear#Barricade|barricaded]]" on the carrier deck by a net that can be erected.<ref name = "sandbags 2019">{{cite web |url = https://navalaviationnews.navylive.dodlive.mil/2013/11/19/carrier-arresting-gear-it-all-began-with-sandbags/ |title = Carrier Arresting Gear: It all Began With Sandbags |publisher = navalaviationnews.navylive.dodlive.mil |date = 19 November 2013}}</ref>