Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a plurality of lines to a light weight flying device such as a kite or model airplane stores, winds up, and releases the lines on individual, separable spools. The spools are held in a recess in a housing. Each line leads from its spool through spaced apart individual line guides to the device so that the device may be controlled by manipulation of the housing. A winding handle is mounted on an arm connected to an axle on which the spools are rotatably mounted in the recess. In a first, or winding, position of the arm, rotation of the handle rotates the axle and the spools for winding up the lines. An anti reverse ratchet mechanism prevents unwinding of the lines. In a second, or release, position of the arm, the spools are freed from rotation with the axle, an adjustable drag is operative to prevent free spooling or backlash, and the anti reverse is releasable by a manual control for controllably releasing the lines.