Advance acoustic BIBETA 6 User manual

Edition 1 / 10_2016
User manual

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Thank you for flying ADVANCE.............................4
About ADVANCE .......................................5
The BIBETA 6.......................................... 7
More fun at work ...............................7
Development process ...........................7
The result .....................................7
Pilot requirements ......................................8
General advice about paragliding ..................8
Using the paraglider for the first time .......................10
Delivery .....................................10
Lines .......................................10
Basic set-up..................................10
Adjustment of the brake lines .....................10
Arranging the brake line guides ...................12
Speed system/Trimmer .........................13
Big ears with Vary-Grip .........................15
Adjusting the optional spreaders ..................16
Suitable harnesses.............................18
Weight range .................................18
Flight characteristics ...................................19
Takeof f ......................................19
Normal flight..................................20
Turns .......................................20
Accelerated flight ..............................21
Collapses ....................................21
Rapid descents ...............................23
B-Stall ......................................25
Stall ........................................25
Landing .....................................26
Flying wigh a wet paraglider......................26
Winching ....................................27
Acro ........................................27
Care, repairs and service life .............................30
Packing .....................................30
Care and maintenance..........................30
Checks......................................31
Lifetime .....................................31
Repairs......................................32
Disposal .....................................32
Technical details.......................................34
Materials used ................................35
Certification ..................................36
Service .............................................38
ADVANCE Service Centres ..................38
The ADVANCE website .........................38
Warranty ....................................38
Components .........................................40
Line plan ............................................ 41
Risers .............................................. 42
Bowline .............................................43
Contents
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Congratulations on your choice of a BIBETA 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 BIBETA 6 online on www.advance.ch/warranty; you
will then receive product updates or safety-related bulletins about
the BIBETA 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 BIBETA 6, and always
«happy landings».
Team ADVANCE
Thank you for flying ADVANCE
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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
5

6

More fun at work
Flying ought to be fun. For the professional tandem pilot, making may-
be ten flights a day where efficiency, economy and passenger safety
share priority, this can often be hard work. We took account of these
strenuous demands when creating the BIBETA 6, and have packed
the best features of current tandems into this one product, without
compromise, so as to make a working wing that is also fun. BIBETA 6:
more fun at work.
Development process
From ADVANCE & tandem professionals for tandem professionals
We engaged a number of current commercial tandem pilots to work
closely with us in the design and development of a BIBETA, for the first
time. Together with several professional tandem businesses from the
tandem Mecca of Interlaken, we identified some present day tandem
models as setting the benchmark for each of takeoff, handling and lan-
ding characteristics. In a long test programme the BIBETA 6 prototy-
pes were then extensively tried out in commercial use, and continually
refined by our development team until each and every desired criterion
had been exceeded. At the end the professionals had only one questi-
on: when can we get the serial version?
The result
A working glider that combines all the good qualities
The BIBETA 6 is a completely new design and now comes in two
sizes- 38 (100 to 180 kg) and 41 (120 to 225 kg). Line sorting is a bree-
ze. A brief shake has the few lines from the three riser levels separating
and sorting themselves out quickly. At takeoff the canopy rises smoo-
thly without overshooting, and passenger and pilot are quickly airborne.
In flight the BIBETA 6 responds directly and precisely to the smallest
steering input. Comfortable brake loading and perfect flare behaviour
make landing a reassuring delight. Reinforced diagonals, crossed rods
in the intakes, oversized lines and reinforced support points all contri-
bute to this professional tandem’s especially long life. Considering its
robust build, the BIBETA 6 packs up impressively small, and the light
weight is sensational – 6.95 kg for the 41.
The BIBETA 6
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General advice about paragliding
Flying a paraglider calls for appropriate training and a sound knowlege
of the subject, and of course the requisite insurance cover and licen-
ces. A tandem pilot must be able to correctly assess the meteorologi-
cal conditions before taking off. His or her capabilities must match the
responsibilities of tandem flying.
The wearing of an adequate helmet, suitable shoes and clothing of pilot
and passenger as well as carrying an emergency reserve parachute
are indispensable. All components of the equipment must be checked
for damage and airworthiness before every flight. A thorough pre-flight
check should also be carried out.
The pilot bears sole responsibility when making a tandem flight. Neither
the manufacturer nor the seller of a paraglider can guarantee, or be
held responsible for, the safety of pilot and passenger.
Pilot requirements
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9

Using the paraglider for the first time
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”.
Delivery of a BIBETA 6 includes an inner bag, a compression strap, a
repair kit, a mini-windsock in the glider colours and a «Getting Started
booklet». Available as options are a “Comfortpack 2” rucksack of 130
or 145 litre volume as well as rigid, soft or soft adjustable spreaders.
Lines
The BIBETA 6 is mainly fitted with colour coded, exceptionally
length-stable “Magix Pro” Aramid lines from German quality manufac-
turer Edelrid. The big ear and stabilo lines are also Aramid, but are co-
vered on their lower sections. Brake base lines are of covered Edelrid
Dyneema. The broad gauge uncovered lines need no special hand-
ling in normal use thanks to their extensive preparation process e.g.
Thermo Shield and UV-Protec-Coating. Normal line care (e.g. storing
dry, avoiding mechanical abuse or unnecessary treading) is naturally
also appropriate for this product. More information about the lines on
the BIBETA 6 product is available on page 28 of this manual. Please
read this carefully.
Basic set-up
The basic set-up of the BIBETA 6 at delivery is that which has been
found to be ideal by the ADVANCE test team; it is in this condition that
the glider was awarded its certification. Any unapproved changes or
modifications, such as changes to the line lengths or the attachment
of other risers or quicklinks by the owner, will result in the paraglider
losing its certification (see the «Certification» section).
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Adjustment of the brake lines
The brake line length is set at the factory so that the trailing edge is un-
braked (crease-free) in fully accelerated flight with brakes fully released.
Fundamentally this setting should be kept.
If the brake lines have to be reset there must be approx. 6–8 cm free
line movement (at the rings) between brakes fully released and that
brake position that first affects the trailing edge in unaccelerated flight.
We recommend that the brake handles are secured using a bowline
knot (see illustration in the appendix page 42).
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Arranging the brake line guides
The mounted position of the BIBETA 6 brake line guides can be adjus-
ted to suit the height of the pilot. Two loops are provided on the riser to
give a choice of guide position.
To change their position untie the brake handle, take the brake line out
of the guide ring, unloop the guide and refit it on the other loop. Thread
the brake line through the ring and tie it to the brake handle with a
bowline knot.
The brake line guide can be looped directly on to the C riser quicklink
for an even higher position.
Caution: Brake line length should be adjusted, up or down, to
agree with the change in the line guide position!
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Speed system/Trimmer
The BIBETA 6 has an accelerate system in the form of trim . It is
very effective and easy to use. It provides for a significant increase in
speed of ca. 6 km/h.
The BIBETA 6 accelerate system is not only intended to provide a better
performance reserve for dealing with strong winds (e.g. slope soaring,
strong valley winds), but it also increases the glider’s general user-friendli-
ness, mainly when carrying light passengers. In addition, when used with
big ears (Vary-Grip-System), the trim improves the most agreeable
way of getting down if passenger well-being requires it (see also section
«Fast Descent»).
In accelerated ight the rear risers are lengthened and this reduces the
angle of attack of the wing. The accelerate system on the
BIBETA 6 is so designed that the wing prole remains the same in accel-
erated ight (reduced angle of attack). This keeps the best wing shape at
higher speeds.
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HB BIBETA5 S. 11 Abs. 3
+ Seite 12 bis Ohrenanlegesystem
The trimmers do not initial adjustment. Just make sure that they are
closed before takeo (neutral position i.e. unaccelerated). To open them
in the air press both spring clips on the back of the risers at the same
time. You can set any trim position as you wish using these clips.
They will not slip even under extreme load. To close the trimmers pull the
tapes down as far as possible using the blue loops.
Caution: Keep the trimmer settings symmetrical.
Caution: When the trimmers are open the brake handles will
be in a noticeably higher position than in unaccelerated (normal)
flight.
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Big ears with Vary-Grip
The BIBETA 6 has split A-risers, which make the application of big ears
easy. A cleat (Vary-Grip-System) makes it possible to x the outer
A-lines so that they can be held in for an extended period. The lines
can be pulled down and reset in the clamps. With big ears applied the
glider can be steered normally using the brakes.
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Text neu
Adjusting the optional spreaders
Four different speader options are available for the BIBETA 6: rigid,
soft, soft-adjustable and soft-adjustable with Quickout.
With the rigid (hard) spreaders the passenger can be supported in two
positions. The reserve connection runs on top of the pilot’s spreader
arms, and is fixed under the lower loop in the main paraglider support.
With the soft spreaders the BIBETA 6 has a choice of three different
main suspension positions. The reserve connection runs under the pi-
lot’s spreader arms and connects to the loops provided.
Rigid (hard) spreader
Reserve
connection
fixed under
the lower loop
in the main
paraglider
support
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The soft-adjustable BIBETA 6 spreaders give a choice of two suspensi-
on positions. The pilot’s spreader arms have spring clips on the backs
for the pilot to adjust his position relative to the height of the passenger.
The reserve connection runs underneath the pilot’s spreader arms and
connects to the loops provided.
Soft-adjustable spreaders with Quickout have one main support point
for the BIBETA 6. The pilot’s spreader arms also have the spring clip
so that the pilot can adjust his support height to suit the passenger po-
sition. The reserve connection runs under his spreader arms and fixes
to the loops provided.
Tip: The soft adjustable spreaders can be adjusted to any posi-
tion to suit the passenger height. If you have trouble shortening
them in flight you can pull the straps down with the loops bit by
bit, alternating left and right, and weight-shifting to the opposite
sides, thus reducing the force required.
Soft spreader (soft-adjustable)
Loop for the reserve
connection
Spring clip to adjust the pi-
lot‘s support height to suit
the passenger position
2 main suspension positions
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Suitable harnesses
The ADVANCE BIBETA 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 BIBETA 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.
Weight range
BIBETA 6 weight ranges for 38 and 41 sizes are given in the «Technical
Data» section. The weights quoted are total in-flight weight. This
includes the body weights of pilot and passenger including their clo-
thes- and everything else that is to fly (paraglider, harnesses, reserve,
instruments etc.).
Flying at lower or upper weight limits can influence the flying characte-
ristics and handling of the paraglider, but does not affect safety. When
the BIBETA 6 is flown in the upper part of its weight range the higher
wing loading results in a higher trim speed, which results in more agile
and dynamic behaviour, and a longer takeoff run.
Certification for solo flying
The Bibeta 6 can be used for solo flying provided the certified takeoff
weight range is observed and the original risers are used.
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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 BIBETA 6’s handling qualities, from the
very beginning.
Takeof f
Takeoff preparation
Sorting BIBETA 6 lines is especially simple. A brief shake will separate
the three riser levels’ few lines. Colour coded A and brake lines make
for very effective final line checking.
Before every takeo carry out the following pre-takeo checks:
1. Harnesses and helmets done up, reserve OK?
2. Pilot-glider-passenger connections OK?
3. Lines free?
4. Canopy open?
5. Wind direction and strength assessed?
6. Airspace and view clear?
7. Passenger ready?
BIBETA 6 takeoff behaviour is very smooth and straightforward for
both forward and backward launches. Nylon wires and light weight
ensure that the canopy fills quickly and climbs evenly, without hanging
or shooting ahead.
The BIBETA 6 is pulled up using both the inner, wide A-risers. This
takes less effort, and the wing will come up very straight. The canopy
should always be laid out in a slightly curved shape, so that all A-lines
are equally loaded during the pull up.
Tip: To get the BIBETA 6 in just the right curved shape for ta-
keoff stand abeam the centre of each wing after you have sorted
the lines; take the brake line and pull it in until all the brake junc-
tions are tensioned.
Light Wind Takeoff (Forwards)
The BIBETA 6 only needs a modest tug in a light wind. It is not neces-
sary to step back and then ‘run’ into the lines. Lead the glider up with
committed and forward-leaning body weight, but without too much
pull on the inner A-risers, until the canopy is nicely above you. Any di-
rectional correcting during the pull-up phase should be done by going
under the glider, without use of brake. After the correction phase and a
look at the glider a few brisk steps with determined leaning forward is
enough to get you airborne, even in little wind. The takeoff run can be
shortened by an appropriate touch of brake.
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Strong Wind Takeoff (Backwards)
A backward pull up is recommended for stronger wind. Like a forward
takeoff the pull up should be made using the inner A-risers. During the
pull up walk towards the BIBETA 6 as necessary to control the rising
rate, and correct the direction by walking under the wing. Turning
round and lifting off are straightforward.
Normal flight
Best BIBETA 6 glide in calm air is achieved with fully released brakes.
Light braking results in minimum sink speed. Appropriate use of trims
can significantly improve glide performance relative to headwind, sink
rate and expected next climb.
Always be careful not to fly below minimum speed, and avoid overreac-
ting with the brakes.
Turns
The BIBETA 6 turns with precision. It responds directly and progressi-
vely to increasing steering input, once the brake line free play has been
taken up. The agreeable and compact character of the wing means
that weight shift is not necessary to assist turning.
When thermaling set your angle of bank (and turn radius) with inside
brake and allow the paraglider to turn evenly in this attitude. Use
outside brake to both steady the outer wingtip and, in particular, keep
a constant rate of turn going. Excessive use of outside brake will try to
stop the turn, and therefore lose the glider’s good climbing qualities.
Caution: To keep good manoeuvrability in thermals it is import-
ant to always keep enough flying speed. Do not hold too much
outside brake, and avoid overcontroling.
Tip: If a brake line were to break the BIBETA 6 can be steered
with the rear risers (C-risers) if necessary.
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