Advance acoustic IOTA2 User manual

Edition 1 / 12_2017
Manual

Thank you for flying ADVANCE.................................4
About ADVANCE ...........................................5
IOTA 2– Efficient Performance .................................6
Pilot requirements ..........................................7
General advice about paragliding ..........................7
Getting started.............................................8
Delivery ............................................. 8
Basic settings ........................................ 8
Speedsystem with SPI .................................. 9
Suitable harnesses.....................................12
Weight range .........................................13
Flight characteristics .......................................15
Takeoff ..............................................15
Normal flight..........................................17
Turning flight..........................................17
Accelerated flight ......................................18
Using the C-Handles ...................................19
Collapses ........................................... 20
Rapid descents .......................................21
Stalling ............................................. 23
Landing .............................................24
Flying with a wet paraglider (risk of deep stall) ................24
Winching ............................................25
Acrobatics ...........................................25
Tandem flying .........................................25
Packing .................................................29
Maintenance and checks....................................31
Maintenance .........................................31
Check ..............................................32
Repairs and disposal .......................................33
Repairs............................................. 33
Disposal ............................................ 33
Technical details...........................................35
Materials used ....................................... 36
Certification ..........................................37
Service .................................................39
ADVANCE Service Center .............................. 39
The ADVANCE website ................................ 39
Registering your product ............................... 39
Warranty ........................................... 40
Wing parts ...............................................41
Line plan ................................................42
Risers ..................................................43
Bowline .................................................44
Content
3

Congratulations on your choice of IOTA 2 – 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 2 online on www.advance.ch/garantie, so that you
will receive product updates or safety-relevant information about the
IOTA 2 direct from us. This information can also be downloaded from
our website on www.advance.ch. 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 2, and always «happy
landings».
Team ADVANCE
Thank you for flying ADVANCE
Text aus S10 HB
Website kürzen!
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

What is your cross country dream? To manage your first 200 kms? To
land in front of your house after a long day’s flying, or just set off and
see how far you can get? The IOTA 2 offers you all of the most impor-
tant ingredients for these achievements: efficient performance and re-
laxed piloting in all conditions. The latest technology gives the wing an
outstanding polar curve for its class.
Balanced strength
In terms of performance together with safety the IOTA series is the
most balanced of the ADVANCE glider selection. The IOTA 2 is especi-
ally impressive in accelerated flight with its outstanding glide, high de-
gree of turbulence absorption and manageable extreme flight charac-
teristics. Concern-free accelerated flying becomes the rule, with no
exception – not least because of the C-Handle provision: flight control
by C/B-risers ....
Efficient in every respect
The IOTA 2 shows its high level of efficiency not only when gliding th-
rough bumpy air. Its pitch and directional stability also benefits the pi-
lot when thermalling. The canopy stays in the centre of rising air almost
as if by itself – without requiring large corrections. Brake line inputs are
directly and precisely answered; response is smooth, progressive and
logical over the whole control range. This not only saves energy, but
makes thermal flying particularly straightforward.
State-of-the-art all round
The IOTA 2 merges SIGMA10 development performance-enhancing
technologies with B-Class safety requirements. The Performance-
Intermediate boasts a state-of-the-art profile, and perfectly distribut-
ed canopy tensioning to go with it. Mini-Ribs, C-Wires, double-3D
Diamond-Shaping and Sliced Diagonals are further ingredients of this
high-tech cocktail.
IOTA 2 – Efficient Performance
6

As a XC-Intermediate the IOTA 2 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 po-
tential, and fly cross country relaxed and safe.
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 weath-
er conditions before taking off. His or her capabilities must be ade-
quate for the paraglider used. The paraglider pilot is also required bear
a sense of responsibility towards the natural world, especially regard-
ing 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

The IOTA 2 belongs to the “Light sport aircraft” category with an empty
weight of less than 120 kg.
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 confirms that defects in the product that can
be attributed to manufacturing faults are covered by the ADVANCE
warranty. Register your paraglider under www.advance.ch/warran-
ty, and benefit from the ADVANCE warranty for three years. See under
“Warranty” in the “Service” section.
Delivery of a IOTA 2 includes a COMFORTPACK 3 rucksack, a
COVERBAG, a compression strap, a repair kit, a mini-windsock in the
wing colours and a «Getting Started» booklet.
Basic settings
At delivery the basic set up of the IOTA 2 will be the original trim situ-
ation 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.
Getting started
8

Speedsystem with SPI
Optimal cross country glide between two thermals requires an on-
going choice of glider speed as a function of current headwind compo-
nent, expected next climb quality and the influence of sinking air. The
IOTA 2 speed (accelerate) system has a Speed Performance Indicator
(SPI) which helps the pilot make this choice of ideal speed-to-fly. Three
positions are indicated on the back of the rear risers: neutral/0 %,
50 % and 100 %. Depending on the relevant parameters the chosen
SPI position can be accurately set. A red marker on the front riser
serves as an accelerate indication.
Info: Thanks to its high stability the IOTA 2 can be flown in acce-
lerated condition in light turbulence without problem. The choice
of accelerated speed for best glide does play an impor-
tant role for this high performance glider.
Each of the IOTA 2 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 – considered by its-
elf. 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 ex-
pected climb rate) McCready Speed-To-Fly theory.
SPI at 0 %/ indicates neutral position (no accelerate).
9

Caution: Even though the IOTA 2 has a high degree of stabili-
ty in accelerated flight you should only use as much speedbar as
you feel comfortable with.
Setting up the speed system
The IOTA 2 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 50 % positi-
on, and pushing the second achieves 100 % accelerate.
Setting the 2-gear speed system
If your initial adjustment of the harness speed lines (to suit your own
leg length) does not result in the 40 % (first step), 80 % (second step)
settings described above, the geometry of the 2 gear accelerate sys-
tem on the risers can be fine adjusted.
10

Fig 1
3:1, low gear
Fig 2
2:1, high gear
By moving the knots and therefore the position of the locking balls
, the travel and loading of the accelerate system can be altered.
The total travel of the system can be changed, and with it the positi-
on at which the 3:1 + (low gear, fig 1) ratio changes to 2:1
(high gear fig.2).
If the knots are moved down, the change from 3:1 (fig1) to 2:1 (fig 2) ra-
tios happens sooner – here the speedbar loading is raised, but the to-
tal speed system travel thereafter is shortened. If the knots are moved
upwards the gear change to 2:1 occurs later, and total travel is leng-
thened (longer legs).
The IOTA 2 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!
11

Suitable harnesses
Basically the IOTA 2 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.
For the tests the following settings were used for the harnesses:
§All-up in-flight weight less than 80 kg: carabiner distance 40 ± 2
cm, height 40 ± 1 cm
§All-up in-flight weight 80 to 100 kg: carabiner distance 44 ± 2
cm, height 42 ± 1 cm
§All-up in-flight weight more than 100 kg: carabiner distance 48
± 2 cm, height 44 ± 1 cm
Info: Experience has proved the theory – a streamlined harness
can significantly improve gliding performance.
The IOTA 2 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 2’s great performance. The ADVANCE
IMPRESS or LIGHTNESS harness is particularly suitable since the
IOTA2 was designed and tested with them in mind.
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Weight range
For the first time a IOTA comes out in five sizes. 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 equip-
ment (paraglider, harness, instruments, etc. – everything that’s going
to fly).
Seamless Weight Ranges
The IOTA 2 was planned for Seamless (continuous) weight ranges, with
no overlapping. These arrange that any particular flying weight features
in only one glider size. These IOTA 2 Ideal takeoff Weight Ranges provi-
de the best comprise between speed and climbing performance for all
normal conditions, for each glider size.
For special requirements the choice of size still remains in the over-
lapping sections of the wider Certified Weight Ranges, as for previous
models.
Flying outside the Seamless Weight Ranges, in other words near the
lower or upper certified weight limits, can alter a paraglider’s flying be-
haviour and handling, but without affecting your safety. Glide perfor-
mance remains the same over a complete weight range, but climb per-
formance is altered.
If the IOTA 2 is flown outside its Seamless Weight Range, in the upper
part of its Certified Weight Range, the higher wing loading will raise its
trim speed and produce more dynamic and agile flying characteristics.
21
23
25
27
29
Certified takeoff weight
60 kg 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 kg
Ideal weight range
60 kg
70 8875 85
65 75 77
80 10085 97
92 97 110 114
105 kg 110 125 128
13

14

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 2’s handling qualities, from the very
beginning.
Takeof f
Connecting the Risers
The IOTA 2 has an “Easy Connect System” on the risers, to simpli-
fy 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 up-
ward 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 preparation
Before every takeoff carry out the following pre-takeoff:
1. Reserve checked: pins and cables correct, reserve handle stowed?
2. Harness and helmet secured?
3. Lines free?
4. Canopy open?
5. Wind direction and strength assessed?
6. Airspace and field-of-view clear?
The IOTA 2 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 2 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 2 needs little or al-
most no pull-up impulse.
§In calm conditions and/or flat land a relaxed pull-up makes sense.
The IOTA 2 has split A risers. We recommend that you use all the A ris-
ers for takeoff. The IOTA 2 inflates reliably from the middle out, and ris-
es very straight with little exertion.
Flight characteristics
15

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 2 takeoff, but
handling is easier using all the A risers
Takeoff in light wind (forward takeoff )
The IOTA 2 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
correcting should only be done by decisive going-under-the-wing, wit-
hout using the brakes. After any necessary correcting and a satisfacto-
ry visual check a few determined steps with good leaning forward will
achieve lift off, even in little wind.
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 2 as necessary. Turning
round and taking off with the IOTA 2 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 2’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 ground
training is worth 10 high flights. N.B: Ground handling practice
can increase wear on your glider.
Info: The IOTA 2 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
“Take of f ” )..
16

Normal flight
In calm air the IOTA 2 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, un-
til 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..
It is often more efficient to disregard minor pitching rather than correct
it by overcontrolling with the brakes.
Turning flight
The IOTA 2 has short and precise brake travel when steering. It re-
sponds 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 2 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 2 helps you to initialise and stabilise turns of this type, which
should be as even as possible. See also section «Suitable harnesses».
17

Caution: to keep good manoeuvrability make sure to fly your
IOTA 2 with enough airspeed while turning in thermals – not too
much outside brake.
Tip: if a brake line breaks you can steer the IOTA 2 using the C
risers.
Accelerated flight
The IOTA 2 has a weight–optimised line and wing design as well as ve-
ry balanced pitch behaviour in bumpy air. All this retains a very good
glide performance with only modestly increased sink rate in accele-
rated flight. 3 line levels, and the profile chosen for the IOTA 2 enab-
les the wing to be efficiently accelerated with little expenditure of pi-
lot energy.
The IOTA 2 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 2’s high degree of structural stability allows it to be flown in
normally 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
system with SPI».
§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 2 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.
18

Using the C-Handles
The IOTA 2 has C-Handles. When accelerated these can be used to
actively control and steer the wing by C/B levels, instead of active flying
and steering with speedbar and weight shift. Use of the C-Handles has
the advantage that handling is more direct.
While accelerated hold the C-Handles with the index or index plus
middle fingers. Make sure the brakes are not wrapped. By careful pul-
ling and releasing you can steer through light turbulence, and oppo-
se pitching movements – if you wish. As well as that, you should al-
so compensate for canopy pressure reduction e.g. as generally occurs
before a collapse. Finger weight alone will feel a loss of C-riser tension.
Info: learning efficient and instinctive C-handle technique needs
much practice and experience. Try it out slowly.
Caution: the C-handles should be operated with care and dis-
cretion. As with other paragliding activities too much and too ab-
rupt pulling risks stalling.
Caution: C-handle control is only recommended for gli-
ding in calm or lightly turbulent air. In very turbulent condi-
tions ADVANCE recommend releasing the speedbar (and the
C-handles) and flying actively with brakes only
19

Collapses
The IOTA 2 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.
Asymmetric collapsing of the canopy
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.
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.
20