Advance acoustic IOTA 23 User manual

Edition 1 / 10_2014
User manual

Thank you for flying ADVANCE.............................4
About ADVANCE .......................................5
IOTA – Easy Performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Pilot requirements ...................................... 7
General advice about paragliding ..................7
Using the paraglider.....................................8
Delivery ......................................8
Basic settings .................................8
Adjusting the brake lines .........................8
Speed system with SPI ..........................9
Setting up the speed system .....................10
Suitable harnesses.............................11
Weight range .................................12
Flight characteristics ................................... 15
Takeof f ......................................15
Normal flight..................................16
Turning flight..................................17
Accelerated flight ..............................17
Collapses ....................................19
Rapid descents ...............................20
Stalling ......................................22
Landing .....................................24
Flying with a wet paraglider ......................25
Winching ....................................25
Acrobatics ...................................26
Maintenance, repairs and care ...........................28
Packing .....................................28
Care and maintenance..........................28
What to do if the leading edge gets
damaged? ...................................29
Checks......................................29
Repairs......................................29
Disposal .....................................30
Technical details....................................... 31
Materials IOTA ................................32
Certification ..................................33
Service .............................................35
ADVANCE Service Center .......................35
The ADVANCE website .........................35
List of parts .......................................... 37
Lineplan.............................................38
Risers ..............................................39
Bowline Knot .........................................40
Contents
3

Congratulations on your choice of IOTA- a quality product from
ADVANCE. We are sure that you will spend many rewarding hours in
the air with it.
The user manual is an important part of the glider. Here you will find
instructions and important information about safety, care of the glid-
er and maintenance, and that’s why we recommend that you read this
document carefully before your first flight.
Register your IOTA online on www.advance.ch/garantie, so that you
will receive product updates or safety-relevant information about the
IOTA direct from us. This information can also be downloaded from our
website on www.advance.ch/de/services/sicherheit. The latest version
of the manual as well as additional information can similarly be found
on www.advance.ch.
We wish you a lot of enjoyment with your IOTA, and always «happy
landings».
Team ADVANCE
Thank you for flying ADVANCE
4

ADVANCE is a worldwide leading paraglider manufacturer based in
Switzerland. Since its founding in 1988 the company has continued to
follow its own policies and ideas in both development and production.
The result is fully-finished products with distinctive characteristics.
The team of experts behind the ADVANCE brand share both the pas-
sion for and confidence in their ADVANCE products. At home in the air
themselves, they bring valuable personal experience and dedication to
the workplace.
Thorough checking of the production process and supervision of the
working practices in ADVANCE’s own factory in Vietnam guarantee
high quality work. A long-standing relationship with cloth and line man-
ufacturers means that ADVANCE know-how finds its way directly into
the development of new materials.
ADVANCE place great importance on after-sales service, and have a
well-developed worldwide service network. A continuous exchange
of experience with customers keeps new knowledge flowing in, which
has an influence on ADVANCE products – and so the «Circle of
Service» is completed.
About ADVANCE
5

ADVANCE launches the new IOTA Series, a High-Level EN B glider for
ambitious cross-country pilots. Featuring an optimized, low-weight
design, the XC-Intermediate IOTA represents the most accommodat-
ing balance between performance and piloting ease within the en-
tire ADVANCE product range. The high performance capabilities of the
IOTA open the door to the world of long cross-country flights.
New Semi-Light Category
There is now a new category called “Semi-Light”. Thanks to compu-
tationally modelled lightweight-structure design techniques, the IOTA
weighs only 4.45kg ( 23m2 size). And yet the IOTA is a robust and du-
rable product thanks to the material choice of Skytex 32 and 38 from
Porcher Sport. The low weight of the canopy improves takeoff behav-
iour, considerably increases passive safety, and contributes to direct
handling.
Exceptional passive safety
The IOTA features a low minimum flying speed. Approach to the stall
is clearly communicated to the pilot via clearly progressive brake pres-
sure. This is all the result of an optimal air intake design. Low IOTA
canopy mass means low wing inertia, and an overall compact concept
contributes to the reassuring character of the IOTA. All these factors
contribute to the IOTA’s high safety level.
Maximum Performance
Detailed simulation and stress analysis enabled us to engineer the
double 3D shaping and surface ballooning to the greatest advantage.
The result for us; an even smoother wing surface and more shape sta-
bility – looked at from every direction. Your result: even more perfor-
mance. The IOTA’s balanced compactness and a carefully-chosen
pitch-stable profile mean that you can always make the most of the
wing’s potential – in real-life conditions.
IOTA – Easy Performance
6

As a XC-Intermediate the IOTA is only suitable for the practised ther-
mal pilot who has, at least, carried out some cross country flying and
acquired the necessary feeling for a glider in active air.
He flies actively, can recognize and prevent collapses at their onset,
and can carry out the normal fast descent manoeuvres.
Only if these requirements are met will he will be able to make full use
of this wing’s performance potential, and fly cross country relaxed and
safe.
Intended use
The IOTA belongs to the «Light aerial sport device» category with a
weight of less than 120kg.
The IOTA is not certified for two-seater flying.
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 paraglider used. The paraglider pilot is also required bear a
sense of responsibility towards the natural world, especially regarding
the preservation of wildlife and landscape.
Wearing an adequate helmet, suitable boots and clothing, and the car-
rying of an emergency parachute are essential. Before every flight all
items of equipment should be checked for damage and airworthiness.
A proper pre-takeoff check must also be carried out.
Every pilot bears sole responsibility for their participation in the sport
of paragliding. Neither the manufacturer nor the seller of a paraglider
can guarantee or be held responsible for the pilot’s safety.
Pilot requirements
7

Delivery
Every ADVANCE paraglider has to be flown by the dealer before deliv-
ery to check for correct settings and trim. The dealer finally enters the
date of the first flight on the type placard fastened on a rib at the cen-
tre of the wing. This entry together with your completed warranty form
ensures that deficiencies in the product, due the manufacturer, are
covered by the ADVANCE warranty. See ‘Warranty’ in the «Service»
section.
Delivery of a I OTA includes a COMFORTPACK 2 rucksack, an inner
bag, a compression strap, a repair kit, speedlines with speedbar, a mi-
ni-windsock in the wing colours and a «Getting Started» booklet.
Basic settings
At delivery the basic set up of the IOTA will be the original trim situa-
tion that the ADVANCE test team found to be best. Certification was
also gained in this condition. Any alterations or changes to the par-
aglider, such as altering the line lengths or fitting different risers or
quicklinks, will result in a loss of the glider’s certification. See section
«Certification».
Adjusting the brake lines
The length of the brake lines has been set at the factory so that, with
hands fully up, the trailing edge remains unbraked in accelerated
flight– ( no crease in the wing ). Basically, this setting should be kept.
If the brake line length does have to be reset there should be 8 -10 cm
(depending on the glider size ) of initial free brake line movement be-
tween the brakes fully released position in unaccelerated flight, and
that point where the lines first affect the trailing edge. We recom-
mend a bowline knot for attaching the handles. See illustration in the
appendix.
Using the paraglider
8

Speed system with SPI
The IOTA has a speed system with a Speed-Performance-Indicator
(SPI), which reads off against 3 positions on the backs of the risers.
The red markers on the speed system enable a precise speed bar po-
sition to be set to suit the in-flight situation.
Best gliding to the next thermal needs an on-going choice of speed to
fly, depending on the current values of headwind, expected next climb
rate, and the rate of sink.
Thanks to its high stability the IOTA can be flown fully accelerated in
light turbulence without problem. The choice of accelerated speed for
best glide does play an important role for this high performance glider.
For simplicity the IOTA’s SPI positions are each indicated by a picture
showing the degree of headwind, expected next climb rate and current
sink speed. Each of the IOTA SPI positions has an icon with a value
for headwind, expected climb and sink rate. These indicated positions
are effective for only one of their three values, taken in isolation – con-
sidered by itself. This means that either the headwind, or the expected
rate of climb, or the sink rate applies to that position. The SPI principle
is based on the simple ( using headwind and sink) and the extended
(including expected climb rate) McReady Speed-To-Fly theory.
Example IOTA / 26
Position neutral
Position 30%
Position 80%
9

1
Caution: Even though the IOTA has a high degree of stability in
accelerated flight you should only use as much speedbar as you
feel comfortable with.
Setting up the speed system
The IOTA speed system can, with the help of the SPI, be adjusted so
that the whole speed system travel can be used. The system is cor-
rectly set when pushing the first speed step gives you the 30% posi-
tion, and pushing the second achieves 80% accelerate. Both toes fully
extended should then reach 100% (pulleys touching ).
If, by setting the speed bar line lengths, a first adjustment of the speed
system for leg length and harness does not result in the set-up de-
scribed above, fine adjustment is possible by changing the two-stage
settings on the risers. By moving the knots which locate the gear
change balls 1 (see illustration ) the speed system travel and loading
can be adjusted.
Example: If the knots are moved downwards the changeover
from the 3:1 ratio to 2:1 occurs earlier, raising the loading but
shortening the total travel. Conversely, moving the knots up-
wards delays the gear change, and lengthens the total travel of
the speed bar.
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The IOTA speed system is arranged so that the profile shape of the
wing is fully retained over the angle-of-attack range of the speed sys-
tem. This maintains the beneficial qualities of the profile at high speeds.
Caution: The speed system is correctly adjusted when you can
use the full travel available on the risers. Make certain that the
speed lines are not set too short, thus causing the wing to be
pre-accelerated all the time.
Suitable harnesses
Basically the IOTA can be flown with any harness that does not have
rigid cross bracing (see section «Certification»).
The chosen harness should ideally have a carabiner distance of ca. 45
cm and a support height of between 40 and 48 cm.
Info: Experience has proved the theory – a streamlined harness
can significantly improve gliding performance.
The IOTA was specially trimmed for use with a streamlined harness.
For this reason we recommend a harness with speedbag in order
to get the best out of the IOTA’s great performance. The ADVANCE
IMPRESS or LIGHTNESS harness is particularly suitable since the
IOTA was designed and tested with them in mind.
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Weight range
The weight ranges for the different wing sizes are listed in the
«Technical Data» section. The figures given there refer to total take-off
weight. This includes the pilot’s body weight including clothing, as well
as the weight of all the equipment (paraglider, harness, instruments,
etc. – everything that’s going to fly).
Flying at the lower or upper limits of the weight range can affect the
flying characteristics of the wing, without, however, compromising
your safety. The IOTA’s performance remains the same whether flying
in its lower or upper weight region. When the IOTA is flown in its up-
per weight area, the higher wing loading produces a higher trim speed,
and a more dynamic and agile flying character.
Tip: ADVANCE recommend that the IOTA is flown in the middle
to the upper part of its recommended weight range.
12

13

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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 IOTA’s handling qualities, from the very
beginning.
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 IOTA takeoff behaviour is very smooth and easy for both forward
and reverse takeoffs. The canopy inflates quickly and rises progres-
sively, without hanging back or shooting in front.
Because the IOTA rises very easily it is very important to match the
pull-up impulse to the conditions. This means:
§In a lot of wind and/or on a steep slope the IOTA needs little or al-
most no pull-up impulse.
§In calm conditions and/or flat land a relaxed pull-up makes sense.
The IOTA has split A risers. We recommend that you use all the A risers
for takeoff. The IOTA inflates reliably from the middle out, and rises
very straight with little exertion.
Tip: Before takeoff get your canopy into the right shape. Do this
while sorting the lines, by pulling the brake lines in until you have
the perfect curved shape.
Info: You can also use the inner A lines for an IOTA takeoff, but
handling is easier using all the A risers.
Takeoff in light wind (forward takeoff )
The IOTA 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 glid-
er 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 correcting should only be done by decisive going-under-the-wing,
without using the brakes. After any necessary correcting and a satis-
factory visual check a few determined steps with good leaning forward
will achieve lift off, even in little wind.
Info: A IOTA takeoff is exceptionally easy to do. Match your ef-
forts (as described in the section ”Takeoff“ ) to the wind condi-
tions and takeoff slope.
Flight characteristics
15

Takeoff in stronger wind (reverse takeoff)
The reverse takeoff is mainly recommended for stronger winds. During
the pull-up you should walk towards the IOTA as necessary. Turning
round and taking off with the IOTA 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 IOTA’s char-
acteristics very well, and try out takeoffs, stalling, shooting for-
ward tendency and collapses – while remaining safely on the
ground. The ADVANCE test team have a motto: one hour ground
training is worth 10 high flights. N.B: Ground handling practice
can increase wear on your glider.
Info: The IOTA is very easy to take off. Just as for the forward
takeoff you should also suit your pull-up impulse to the wind and
slope when making a reverse pull-up (as described in section
“ Takeof f ” ).
Normal flight
In calm air the IOTA best glide is achieved with fully released brakes.
Light braking brings the glider to its minimum sink condition. When fly-
ing into a headwind, through descending air, or when proceeding to
the next thermal, glide performance will be distinctly improved by ap-
propriate use of the speed system. The SPI helps you do this. See sec-
tion “Speed-Performance-Indicator (SPI)”.
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 (flying into a thermal; wing
swings back) the brake lines should be temporarily released fully,
until the glider returns to its overhead position.
§When the angle of attack reduces (glider dives forwards, pilot
swings back) the wing should briefly be braked more.
16

It is often more efficient to disregard minor pitching rather than correct
it by overcontrolling with the brakes. The test team tried rear riser con-
trol but do not recommend it because of the performance reduction
due to profile distortion.
Turning flight
The IOTA has short and precise brake travel when steering. It responds
very directly and progressively to increasing steering inputs, as soon
as brake line free travel has been taken up When starting a turn be
careful how you apply the steering brake – just the right amount; not
too much. Active weight shift effectively assists steering. Angle of bank
can always be increased, stabilised or reduced by brake line load.
The IOTA makes a very agreeable companion in thermals. You do not
have to correct for large pitching movements, and this improves your
climbing behaviour – and therefore your performance – significantly.
When thermalling, choose the desired angle of bank and correspond-
ing radius, and try to let the glider turn steadily at this attitude. Outside
brake should be used to steady the wing tip and, in particular, control
the rate of turn. Anything stronger will slow the wingtip down and lose
the glider’s good steering qualities.
A harness specifically designed to match the flying characteristics of
the IOTA helps you to initialise and stabilise turns of this type, which
should be as even as possible. See also section «Suitable harnesses».
Caution: To keep good manoeuvrability make sure to fly your
IOTA with enough airspeed while turning in thermals – not too
much outside brake.
Tip: If a brake line breaks you can steer the IOTA using the C
risers.
Accelerated flight
The IOTA wing remains extremely stable even in accelerated flight.
However, paragliders operate at a lower angle of attack while flying at
their higher speeds, and the degree of stability is generally reduced.
The higher aerodynamic forces involved at higher airspeeds mean that
a collapse can be more dynamic (see also section «Collapses»).
When encountering severe turbulence while flying accelerated release
the speedbar fully before applying the necessary stabilising brake. The
IOTA’s high degree of structural stability allows it to be flown in normal-
ly turbulent air while accelerated. Active speedbar should be employed
for adjusting angle of attack under these conditions, instead of brake.
Pitch attitude disturbances can be minimised in this way, and optimal
glide performance can be maintained. See also section «Speed sys-
tem with SPI».
17

§when the angle of attack increases (e.g. wing pitches back when en-
tering lift ), the speed bar is briefly pressed harder
§when the angle of attack decreases (e.g. wing pitches forward ), the
speed bar is released
Caution: Even though the IOTA is very stable in accelerated
flight you should only use as much speedbar as you feel hap-
py with.
Tip: Make sure that brake is not applied at the same time as
speed bar, otherwise you will find yourself in the worst possible
gliding situation, without gaining any advantage.
Tip: Always choose a suitable speed for best glide taking into
account the actual headwind, sink rate (descending air) and ex-
pected next climb.
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Collapses
Asymmetric collapsing of the canopy
The IOTA features a very taut and stable canopy. With an active flying
technique in normal flying conditions, collapses can be almost com-
pletely prevented. The wing gives very precise canopy feedback and
makes it possible to sense an impending collapse early on, thus help-
ing timely pilot reaction. Should a collapse occur the wing will fold in a
predictable and progressive manner from wing tip towards the centre.
If the glider does, however, suffer a side collapse at trim speed, it will
respond to collapses of 50% or more with a slight turning tendency, al-
lowing heading to be easily held with light counter-steering. Normally,
the wing will reopen without pilot action. With an asymmetric collapse
in accelerated flight the wing will react more impulsively because of the
higher forces associated with higher airspeed. The turning behaviour
caused by a collapse at full speed is more dynamic, but can be well
controlled.
If a collapse is slow to reopen, a deep but fast pull on the closed side
brake will help. 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.
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 rotation (spiralling).
Stop an increase in rotation rate by just the correct amount of out-
side brake. Then open the cravated wingtip by pulling the orange sta-
bilo line. Clearing a cravat can be also done more quickly by ‘pumping’.
The appropriate brake should be applied to 75% brake travel within a
maximum of two seconds, and then released immediately.
Caution: If you want to make an accelerated collapse during
safety training we recommend that you lead up to it slow-
ly – starting with unaccelerated and then partially accelerated
attempts.
19

Symmetric collapse (frontstall )
After a spontaneous or A-riser provoked collapse the airflow breaks
away from the profile and the canopy will pitch back. The pilot swings
back underneath after a short delay. Wait, without applying brake, un-
til the wing is again above you and returns to normal flight. After a big
collapse reopening may be delayed, but do not forcibly encourage reo-
pening by the use of excessive brake, because of the risk of a fullstall.
Caution:
§To simulate a front collapse all A-risers must be taken hold of
and pulled down.
§After a very impulsively provoked front collapse in accelerat-
ed configuration (for example during SIV training ) it can happen
that the front of the canopy does not open by itself. Help the
wing to open with a brief brake impulse by pulling the brakes
to 75% within one second, immediately and completely release
them, then be prepared to control the forward surge.
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 IOTA has split A-risers, which make it easy to apply big ears.
To do this pull both outer A-risers quickly down at the same time. The
wingtips will fold, and can be easily held in this position. To reopen re-
lease the risers; if the wingtips do not open by themselves a brake im-
pulse will help them.
Sink rate can be further increased by using the speedbar. Depending
on the situation the glider can be steered using weight shift.
20