Advance acoustic ALPHA 6 User manual

Edition 1 / 6_2015
User Manual

About ADVANCE .......................................4
The ALPHA 6 ..........................................6
ALPHA 6 – come fly with me ......................6
Outstanding features ............................6
All the details ..................................7
Piloting Requirements ...................................8
General advice about paragliding ..................8
Using the paraglider....................................10
Delivery .....................................10
Basic settings ................................10
Adjusting the brake lines ........................10
Speed system ................................11
Suitable harnesses.............................11
Weight range .................................12
Flight characteristics ................................... 14
Connecting the Risers ..........................14
Takeof f ......................................14
Normal flight..................................16
Turning flight..................................16
Accelerated flight ..............................17
Collapses ....................................18
Rapid descents ...............................19
Stalling ......................................22
Deep Stall ...................................23
Landing .....................................23
Flying with a wet paraglider (risk of deep stall) ........24
Winching ....................................24
Paramotoring .................................25
Acrobatics ...................................25
Maintenance, repairs and care ........................... 27
Packing .....................................27
Care and maintenance..........................27
Taking Care ..................................28
Check ......................................28
Repairs......................................28
Disposal .....................................29
Technical details.......................................30
Materials used ................................31
Certification ..................................32
Service .............................................34
ADVANCE Service Centres ..................34
The ADVANCE website .........................34
Warranty ....................................34
Wing parts ...........................................36
Line plan ............................................ 37
Risers ..............................................38
Boline Knot ..........................................39
Contents
2

Congratulations on your choice of an ALPHA 6 - a quality product from
ADVANCE. We hope that you will spend many rewarding hours in the
air with it.
This user manual is an important part of the glider. Here you will find
instructions and important information about safety, care and main-
tenance, and that’s why we recommend that you read this document
carefully before your first flight
Register your ALPHA 6 online on www.advance.ch/warranty; you
will then receive product updates or safety-related bulletins about
the ALPHA 6 direct from us. This information will also be available to
download from our website at www.advance.ch, as will the latest ver-
sion of this manual and further updated information.
If you have any further questions or problems please contact your
dealer or get in touch directly with ADVANCE.
Now we wish you a lot of enjoyment with your ALPHA 6, and always
«happy landings».
Team ADVANCE
Thank you for flying ADVANCE
3

ADVANCE, based in Switzerland, is one of the world’s leading para-
glider manufacturers. Since it was founded in 1988, the company has
consistently pursued its own directions and concepts, both in develop-
ment and production. The results are quality products with distinctive
characteristics.
Behind the ADVANCE brand name is a team of specialists who share
the passion and trust in the company’s products. At home in the air
themselves, they contribute their valuable personal experience and
dedication to the working processes.
Total control of the production process and supervision of the working
practices at the ADVANCE factory in Vietnam ensure a high standard
of workmanship. Long term relationships with fabric and line manufac-
turers means that ADVANCE knowledge and expertise also finds its
way directly into the development of new materials.
ADVANCE attaches great importance to after-sales customer support,
and has built up a worldwide service network for this purpose. An
on-going interaction with its customers brings in a steady flow of new
knowledge that finds its way into ADVANCE products, thus completing
the «Circle of Service».
About ADVANCE
4

5

ALPHA 6 – come fly with me
The ALPHA 6 is the perfect paraglider for first flights, building experi-
ence or occasional flying. As a beginner you can trust this wing 100%.
The ALPHA model is the well-tried classic for first flights, and after
basic training, offers many possibiities of exploring further afield. This
6th generation of the ALPHA series is modern in concept, founded on
many years’ experience, and promises reliability and durability.
Outstanding features
Easy takeoff
A revised ALPHA 6 line concept leaves the wing with visibly fewer
suspension points and fewer lines - easy to sort and easy to see.
After a simple takeoff your ALPHA 6 is in the air. The ALPHA 6 is also
light – thanks to carefully designed internal structure and high quality
materials.
Great in the air
Modern „Advanced Air Inlet Technology“ brings flying safety and wing
stability. The typical ADVANCE combination of semi-circular intakes
with an „Air Scoop Technology“ provides higher pressure in the wing
at high angles of attack. This results in progressive brake loading and
minimises any tendency to spin when turning. This means more pas-
sive safety.
Lasting fun
Modern design ensures that the fun continues long after your training
with your ALPHA 6. Double 3D shaping around the leading edge cre-
ates a smooth upper wing surface, giving you better performance. The
spartan line concept with its sophisticated diagonal ribs inside further
raises gliding performance - noticeably high for the A classification.
The ALPHA 6
6

All the details
«Easy Connect System»
The risers have a new «Easy Connect System» which makes it simple
and quick to connect them to the harness. Concept and colour mini-
mize the risk of clipping in with risers twisted or on the wrong side.
«Quick Snap»
The ALPHA 6 has split A-risers for trouble-free big ears. Before takeoff
the divided A-risers are held together by magnets. This simplifies take-
off handling, and during takeoff they separate themselves for normal
flight.
«Smart Sail System»
The «Smart Sail System» aligns the weave of the fabric around the air
intakes with the local tension vector. Specially impregnated robust
cloth at this highly loaded place extends the glider’s life.
Extended weight range
On top of its recommended weight range the ALPHA 6 has another 15
kg added on, but at these weights the wing remains in the EN/LTF A
category. This significantly widens the glider’s area of use.
ADVANCE Standards
Distinctive winglets have been reducing induced drag (vortex-effect)
on ADVANCE wings for 25 years. Like all ADVANCE models the ALPHA
6 has swivels on the brake lines and comes with different sized brake
handles, to suit the glider size. At the risers the brake lines run through
brake rings.
7

Right from the start the ALPHA 6 gives the beginner or leisure pilot the
safety they need when they lift off into the third dimension. A sense of
achievement is guaranteed from the beginner’s first flights, encouraged
by the knowledge that you can always trust the ALPHA 6 completely.
The ALPHA 6 is perfect for schools, but it also provides improving
pilots with continued flying enjoyment, with maximum passive safety,
long after they have finished their training.
General advice about paragliding
Flying a paraglider calls for appropriate training and a sound knowl-
edge of the subject, as well as, of course, the necessary insurance
cover and licence. A pilot must be able to correctly assess the weather
conditions before taking off. His or her capabilities must be adequate
for the actual paraglider.
Wearing an adequate helmet, suitable boots and clothing, and carrying
an emergency parachute (a ‘reserve’) are essential. Before every flight
all items of equipment should be checked for damage and airworthi-
ness. A proper pre-takeoff check must also be carried out.
Every pilot bears sole responsibility for all risks, including injury or
death, when participating in the sport of paragliding. Neither the manu-
facturer nor the seller of a paraglider can guarantee or be held respon-
sible for the pilot’s safety.
Piloting Requirements
8

9

Using the paraglider
Delivery
Before delivery every ADVANCE paraglider has to be flown by the deal-
er and checked for correct settings and trim. When this has been done
the dealer enters the date of the first flight on the label attached to a
centre rib. This entry, together with a completed warranty card, will
ensure that defects in the product attributable to manufacturing faults
are covered by the ADVANCE warranty. See ‘Warranty’ in the section
«Service».
Within 10 days of purchasing your glider we ask you to fill in the regis-
tration form on the internet, to be found under “Warranty”.
The ALPHA 6 comes with an COMFORTPACK rucksack, an inner bag,
a compression strap, a repair kit, a mini windsock in the canopy col-
ours and a ‘Getting Started’ booklet.
Basic settings
The length of the brake lines is set at the factory so that the trailing
edge is not braked (is crease-free) when brakes are fully released
in fully accelerated flight. This setting should be kept as a matter of
principle.
Adjusting the brake lines
If the length of the brake lines has to be readjusted there must be 8cm
of slack (free travel) between the brakes free position and the first influ-
ence of brake effect in unaccelerated flight (brake starts to take effect).
We recommend that the brake handles are secured with a bowline
knot. See the illustration at the end of this manual.
10

Speed system
The ALPHA 6 has a speed system which can improve the glide per-
formance, and increase wing stability at speeds above trim speed. In
accelerated flight the system shortens the front risers, so reducing
the wing’s angle of attack. The ALPHA 6 speed system is designed to
fully retain the wing profile during accelerated flight, keeping the wing’s
good qualities at high speed.
Adjust the speed system correctly before your first ALPHA 6 flight.
Make sure that the speed lines run freely through all the pulleys in your
harness. Connect the speed lines to the glider risers using Brummel
hooks. Finally check that your settings allow you to use the full travel of
the speed system. To do this it is best to hang the harness up, sit in it,
connect the risers and have someone else hold them up as if in flight..
Caution: The speed system is correctly adjusted when you can
use the full travel available on the wing. Make certain that the
speed lines are not set too short, thus causing the wing to be
pre-accelerated all the time.
Suitable harnesses
The ADVANCE ALPHA 6 is certified for harnesses in Group GH (with-
out rigid cross-bracing - see section «Certification»). The suspension
points of the chosen harness should ideally have a carabiner distance
of approximately 45 cm (equivalent to your shoulder width) and a
height of 40 to 48 cm.
The ALPHA 6 is neither suitable nor certified for use with harnesses
in group GX (with effective cross-bracing). The use of such har-
nesses can have a bad effect on both handling and extreme flight
characteristics.
Info: Experience has proved the theory – a streamlined harness
can significantly improve gliding performance.
11

Weight range
The weight ranges of the different wing sizes are given in the section
«Technical Data». The figures there represent total in-flight weights. This
includes the pilot’s body weight, plus clothes, as well as the weight of
all the equipment (glider, reserve, harness, instruments etc.).
Flying at the lower or upper weight limits can have an effect on the
paraglider’s flying characteristics and handling, without affecting the
pilot’s safety. Glide performance remains the same over the whole
weight range, but climbing performance will be altered – lighter means
better climbing in easy conditions. When the ALPHA 6 is flown in its
upper weight area, the higher wing loading produces a higher trim
speed, and a more dynamic and agile flying character.
Info: The ALPHA 6 has a weight range that has been extended
above the recommended region, but still keeps its EN/LTF A
certification; the EN/LTF A approval includes a weight increase
of around 15 kg above the recommended weight ranges for all
sizes. When the ALPHA 6 is flown in its upper weight region, the
higher wingloading produces a higher trim speed, and a more
dynamic and agile flying character. The fact that the ALPHA 6
keeps its EN/LTF A rating at the higher wing loadings confirms
its high degree of passive safety
12

70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140
6050 kg
ALPHA622 // 50 – 70 kg +15 kg
+15 kg
+15 kg
+15 kg
ALPHA624 // 60 – 80 kg
ALPHA626 // 70 – 95 kg
ALPHA628 // 85 – 110 kg
+15 kg
ALPHA631 // 100 – 130 kg
Empfohlenes Startgewicht
Recommended takeoff weight
Plage de poids conseillée total volant
Erweiterter Gewichtsbereich
Increased takeoff weight
Plage de poids étendue
13

Flight characteristics
We recommend that you make your first flights with your new glider in
quiet conditions, in a familiar flying area. A few pull-ups at an easy site
will give you confidence in the ALPHA 6’s handling qualities, from the
very beginning.
Connecting the Risers
The ALPHA 6 has an “Easy Connect System“ on the risers, to simplify
connecting the risers. Each riser has coloured sewing running up the
back of the C-riser, red for left and blue for right, in the direction of
flight.
The coloured sewing facing the pilot, and the riser running cleanly
upward to the lines confirm that the riser has not been connected with
an 180 degree twist. For additional assistance all ADVANCE harnesses
will, in future, have the same marking on their suspension loops (red to
red, blue to blue).
The “Easy Connect System“ also enables you to clip in while facing the
wing, This can be helpful for a reverse takeoff in windy weather.
Takeoff
Before every takeoff carry out the following pre-takeoff checks:
1. Harness and helmet done up, reserve OK?
2. Lines free?
3. Canopy open?
4. Wind direction and strength assessed?
5. Airspace and field-of-view clear?
The ALPHA 6 has split A-risers; the thin outer one is used for big
ears. We recommend the use of both A-risers for takeoff (each side
will be clipped together by its “Quick Snap“ magnet). The wing will
then fill reliably from the middle out, and will pull up straight with little
effort. During takeoff the “Quick Snap“ magnets will snap apart by
themselves.
Tip: To get the wing in the right shape for takeoff do the follow-
ing: pull the brake lines in while you are sorting the lines until the
canopy arrives at the perfect banana shape
The ALPHA 6 takeoff behaviour is very smooth and easy for both for-
ward and reverse takeoffs. The canopy inflates quickly and rises pro-
gressively, without hanging back.
14

The ALPHA 6 rises exceptionally easily, so it is very important that you
match your pull up technique to the weather conditions and the steep-
ness of the slope. This means:
§In a lot of wind and/or on steep ground the ALPHA 6 needs little or
almost no initial tug (just lead it up).
§In zero wind and/or on flat ground a more reasonable impulse would
be sensible.
Takeoff in light wind (forward takeoff)
The ALPHA 6 only needs a moderate pull-up impulse even in a light
wind. It is not necessary to step back and ‘run into the lines’. Guide
the glider up with pronounced leaning forward, but without too much
of a pull on the A-risers, until the canopy is overhead. During the pull-
up phase any directional correcting should only be done by decisive
going-under-the-wing, without using the brakes. After any necessary
corrections and a satisfactory visual check a few determined steps
with good leaning forward will achieve lift off, even in little wind. Careful
braking can shorten the takeoff run.
Takeoff in stronger wind (reverse takeoff)
The reverse takeoff is mainly recommended for stronger winds. Like
the forward takeoff we recommend that you use both ALPHA 6 risers.
During the pull-up you should walk towards the ALPHA 6 as necessary
to control its rising rate. Turning round and taking off with the ALPHA 6
will then prove to be easy.
Tip: Playing with the glider on flat ground in some wind gives a
good feeling for the wing. You can get to know the ALPHA 6’s
characteristics very well, and try out takeoffs, stalling, shooting
forward tendency and collapses – while remaining safely on
the ground. The ADVANCE test team have a motto: one hour’s
ground training is worth 10 high flights. But bear in mind that
ground practice puts use on the glider.
15

Normal flight
In calm air the ALPHA 6 best glide is achieved with fully released
brakes. Light braking brings the glider to its minimum sink condition.
When flying into a headwind, through descending air, or when procee-
ding to the next thermal, glide performance will be distinctly improved
by appropriate use of the speed system.
Despite the wing’s high stability an active flying style is recommended-
collapses can be almost completely avoided. This means keeping the
lightly-braked glider directly above you; in other words, countering roll
and pitch disturbances.
§When the angle of attack increases (e.g. wing swings back when
entering a thermal) the brake lines should be briefly released fully,
until the glider returns to its overhead position.
§When the angle of attack reduces (e.g. glider shoots forwards) the
wing should briefly and strongly braked.
Be careful not to get below minimum speed, and don’t overreact with
the brakes.
Turning flight
The ALPHA 6 has precise response to brake application. It reacts
directly and progressively to increasing steering demands, once the
brake line free travel has been taken up. Steering can be effectively
assisted by active weight shift. Angle of bank can always be increased,
steadied or reduced by appropriate adjustment of brake position.
When circling in a thermal choose the desired angle of bank and corre-
sponding turn radius by using the inside brake line, and let the paragli-
der turn steadily like this. Stabilise the outside wing with outside brake
as required, in particular to keep the rate of turn constant. Too much
brake on the outside wing will slow the turn rate and airspeed down,
allow the pilot to swing back under the wing, and lose the glider’s abi-
lity to turn.
A harness that is matched to the ALPHA 6 flying qualities helps you
enter and settle on a very steady turn. See also section «Suitable
harnesses».
Caution: To keep good manoeuvrability make sure to fly your
ALPHA 6 with enough airspeed while turning in thermals - not
too much outside brake.
16

Tip: If a brake line were to break you can steer your ALPHA 6
with the rear C-risers if necessary.
Accelerated flight
The ALPHA 6 canopy remains very stable even when accelerated. At
their upper speed range however, paragliders fly at a lower angle of at-
tack, and are generally considered to be less structurally stable at high
speed. Because of the higher forces and energy, collapses at high
speed are more dynamic. See also section “Collapses”.
When encountering strong turbulence while accelerated you should
first release the speedbar completely before applying the brake nec-
essary to stabilise the wing. The high stability of the ALPHA 6 does
allow you to fly through turbulence while accelerated. When doing this,
active speed system should be used, adjusting angle of attack and
controlling pitch attitude by using speedbar instead of brakes. Pitch
disturbances can then be reduced to a minimum, and better gliding
performance attained. See also section “Adjusting the Speed system“.
§When the angle of attack increases (e.g. wing goes back meeting a
thermal ) the speedbar should be briefly but strongly pushed.
§If the angle of attack reduces (e.g. wing shoots forward) the speed-
bar should be released.
Caution: Even though the ALPHA 6 is stable in accelerated
flight you should only use as much speedbar as you feel happy
with.
Tip: Take care not to use speedbar and brake at the same time,
otherwise you will get into the worst possible gliding situation, to
no advantage.
Tip: For best gliding always choose a speed that takes into ac-
count actual headwind, sink rate and expected quality of next
climb.
17

Collapses
Asymmetric collapse of the wing
The ALPHA 6 has a very stiff and stable canopy. With an active flying
technique collapses can be almost completely prevented in normal
flying conditions.
If the glider does, however, suffer a side collapse at trim speed, it will
respond to a collapse of more than 50% of the whole wing with moder-
ate turning, allowing heading to be easily held with light counter-steer-
ing. Normally, the wing will reopen without pilot action.
Due to higher aerodynamic forces during accelerated flight the glider
will respond to a side collapse with more energy. But the turning ten-
dency in fully accelerated flight is unspectacular and slow.
If a collapse is slow to reopen, a deep, fast but brief pull on the fold-
ed side brake will help. Here it is important to completely release the
brake again to let the glider keep its flying speed. Be careful with the
brake on the open side, and only apply enough to keep straight – so
as not to stall the wing. This side is providing the lift necessary to keep
the glider flying under control.
Poorly flown wingovers can cause a wingtip to fold inwards from the
side, causing it to catch in the lines and create a cravat. Due to the
high drag they produce cravats can lead to strong turning (spiralling).
Prevent this from developing by using just enough (but no more)
outside brake. Then open the cravated wingtip by pulling the orange
stabilo line. Clearing a cravat can be also done more quickly by ‘pump-
ing’. Apply 75% of brake on the affected side within a maximum of two
seconds, then release immediately.
18

Symmetric collapse (frontstall)
After a spontaneous or a deliberate front collapse using all A-risers
the airflow breaks away from the profile and the canopy will pitch back.
The pilot will soon swing back underneath. Wait, without applying
brake, until the wing is again above you and returns to normal flight.
After a big collapse reopening may be delayed, but do not forceably
encourage reopening by the use of excessive brake, because of the
risk of a fullstall.
Rapid descents
For quick and efficient ways of getting down the ADVANCE test team
recommend big ears (with or without speed bar) or the spiral dive – the
choice depends on the situation.
Tip: Fast descents should be practised now and then in quiet
conditions – so they won’t become emergencies when you need
them.
Symmetrical collapsing of the wingtips (big ears)
The ALPHA 6 has split A-risers, which make applying big ears easy.
The outer, narrower A-risers with a red covered line are separated spe-
cially for this. To do this manoeuvre pull both of these narrower, outer
risers. This will fold the wingtips in, and you can hold them there easily.
To reopen release the risers; the ALPHA 6 wingtips then open them-
selves thanks to the high internal wing pressure.
Sink rate can be further increased by using the speedbar when the
ears are folded. Depending on the situation the glider can be steered
using weight shift.
Info: Big ears is also possible using two lines (per side) with the
ALPHA 6. Here it is important that the glider must then be accel-
erated as well, and the trailing edge must not be braked.
Caution: Do not fly spirals or sharp changes of direction with
big ears applied; the increased loading carried by fewer lines
can damage the structure.
Tip: If you want to lose height as quickly as possible and fly
away from a problem area at the same time we recommend the
following: apply big ears and use as much speedbar as condi-
tions allow.
19

Spiral dive
For the most comfortable way of doing this we recommend a neutral
sitting position without active weight shift, and a shoulder-width cara-
biner distance (approx 45 cm).
Enter the spiral by progressively pulling one brake. Your head and field
of view should be directed in the turn direction. As the angle of bank
increases so will the rate of turn, airspeed and centrifugal force, which
makes the pilot feel heavier.
The behaviour of the spiralling paraglider can be separated into two
phases: in the beginning the glider makes a normal turn which pro-
gressively tightens, with increasing angle of bank. In the second phase
the paraglider engages its spiral mode. This means that the wing dives
forward and assumes a more vertical flightpath. During this phase of
the manoeuvre try to keep a neutral sitting position and give way to the
centrifugal force – your body will be pulled to the outside of the turn.
To recover keep the neutral sitting position and progressively release
the inside brake. Your body weight will be somewhat tipped to the
outside. While coming out of a spiral dive of high vertical and rotation-
al speeds some assistance with outside brake is essential. Careful
releasing of the inside brake will prevent the wing from recovering too
quickly, thus pitching back excessively before diving in front - if the
turn stops with too much speed remaining. Make sure that you start
the recovery with plenty of height above the ground. Generally speak-
ing you should allow the same amount of time to recover as it took
to enter the manoeuvre, but remember that the vertical speed will be
higher, and much more height will be used!
The ALPHA 6 comes out of a steep spiral dive by itself if a neutral sit-
ting position is maintained. Active weight shift to the inside of the turn
can lead to stronger acceleration and the glider may show less desire
to recover by itself.
20