The pleasures of aeromodelling are immeasurable. Through the processes of learning how to assemble to the intricate structures, those early frustrations of wrinkled covering and that fatal stall which can so easily reduce one's efforts to a crumpled mass, the aeromodeller enjoys his hobby in many ways. It teaches patience, extends knowledge of aviation, gives exercise, offers relaxation—and pleasure. When "graduated" to the stage where each succeeding model is more efficient than the last, the modeller begins to think of entering the competitive field.Whichever becomes his favoured class he-will find that the challenge always demands that little "extra" from his model which is beyond his immediate reach. Without such a target, the spirit of competition is lost. Unhappily (in our humble opinion) the free flight duration contests are showing evidence of a new development. All sports call for strategy in some way or other, and free flight has never been an exception. But recent trends have introduced questionable tactics. Those who are most involved know that the increasing number of modellers involved in 'fly-offs' is certainly not a reflection on improving model standards. The pleasure of which we speak is tainted not only for the "also ran" entrant, but also for the organisers. Now is the time to seek new schemes for free flight to arrest the decline before some winning ways spoil an otherwise agreeable image.