Advance acoustic Lightness 2 User manual

User manual Edition 2 / 07_2015

Thank you for flying ADVANCE.............................6
About ADVANCE ....................................... 7
The LIGHTNESS2 ......................................8
Innovations & Features...........................9
General advice about paragliding .................10
Handle with Care ...................................... 11
Preparing the product .................................. 12
Delivery .....................................12
Delivery package ..............................12
Setting up the harness..........................13
Large choice of speedbag .......................13
1. Start at the basic settings ......................14
2. Set the speedbag length ......................16
3. Setting the upper body angle...................17
4. Checking the settings.........................17
5. Fine adjustment .............................17
Fitting the speed system ........................20
Closing the speedbag ..........................20
Cockpit and instrument panel ....................20
Stowage compartment .........................20
More details ..................................21
Installing the reserve ...........................22
Use in practice........................................32
Adjusting the rucksack..........................32
Flying in general ...............................33
Using the speedbag............................33
Using the speed system.........................34
Throwing the reserve ...........................34
Walking with the LIGHTNESS ....................35
Packing the rucksack...........................36
Packing the LIGHTNESS 2 back and under-seat
pockets .....................................37
Using the harness with other brands of
paraglider ....................................37
Winching ....................................37
Acro flying ...................................37
Tandem flying .................................37
Replacing parts ...............................38
Care, repairs and checks................................42
Technical details.......................................45
Technical data ................................45
Materials used ................................46
Contents
Edition 1 / 10_2014
3

Service ............................................. 47
ADVANCE Service Center .......................47
ADVANCE website .............................47
Warranty ....................................48
Parts LIGHTNESS 2 ...................................50
4 5

ADVANCE is one of the worldwide leading paraglider manufactur-
ers, based in Switzerland. Since its founding in 1988 the compa-
ny has always followed its own ideas and concepts, in both devel-
opment and production. The results are well-nished products with
distinctive character and qualities.
Behind the brand is a team of specialists who share a passion for,
and condence in the ADVANCE products they create. At home in
the air themselves, they bring valuable personal experience and
commitment to the working processes.
Comprehensive supervision of the production process and control
of working practices at ADVANCE’s own factory in Vietnam guar-
antees a high quality of workmanship. A many-year relationship
with cloth and line manufacturers ensures that ADVANCE know-
how ows directly into the development of new materials.
ADVANCE put great value on after-sales customer care, and a
worldwide service network has been built up to this end. New
knowledge is constantly gained by an on-going exchange of ex-
perience with customers, which nds its way into new ADVANCE
products – thus completing the «Circle of Service».
About ADVANCE
Congratulations and many thanks for choosing a LIGHTNESS 2, an
ADVANCE quality product. We hope that it will bring you many re-
warding hours in the air.
This owner’s handbook is an important component of this y-
ing equipment. In it you will nd instructions and important advice
about safety, care and maintenance, so we suggest that you read
it carefully before your rst ight with this product.
The latest version of this handbook and updated information can
be found on www.advance.ch. Any new safety-related advice
about the product will also be published there. If you have a query
or problem please go to the retailer, or contact ADVANCE directly.
Now we wish you a lot of pleasure with your LIGHTNESS 2 and
«happy landings», every time.
Team ADVANCE
Thank you for flying ADVANCE
6 7

Well-proven – now perfected. The LIGHTNESS concept created a
new category of harness, and now this second generation takes
the best of the original and adds to its safety, comfort and style.
With a weight from 2.8 kg the LIGHTNESS 2 is a light harness, but,
in its current form, it completely satises the needs of the ambi-
tious cross country pilot. It has an integrated reserve, certied pro-
tector and improved aerodynamics; and again comes with its own
rucksack, now including a COMPRESSBAG light.
Fully loaded
3 products, 1 concept. With its LTF certied foam protector and
built-in reserve system the LIGHTNESS 2 is a fully operational
harness for XC and Hike&Fly pilots who like to travel in com-
fort with light equipment. In the package are the harness and its
LIGHTPACK 2, including the COMPRESSBAG LIGHT.
Comfortable
LIGHTNESS 2 geometry has been further developed, and the
harness now has an ergonomic seat shell which adapts itself to
the small of the back. This provides perfect back support;
and pressure points become a thing of the past. Feedback from
our test pilots: «The most comfortable reclining harness in the
history of ADVANCE!»
Light
It was possible to save weight when developing the LIGHTNESS
2 by rening the design and choosing the right materials, with-
out compro¬mising the well-known ADVANCE quality. The new
COMPRESSBAG LIGHT allows the paraglider to be packed very
small in the LIGHTPACK. When put together these make up a light
but complete package.
Furthermore
High level of handling comfort:
Setting up the harness is straightforward and clear. Unlike the
original Lightness the LIGHTNESS 2 straps can be adjusted in
ight. This makes life much easier and more comfortable for the
LIGHTNESS 2 pilot.
Improved aerodynamics::
The spoiler on the speedbag guides the airow up over the upper
body, and the (previously empty) zone around the neck is now pro-
vided with an inated cushion, that rounds o the streamlines.
An incidental advantage of this inatable design is that it does not
disturb the pilot on the ground / taking o.
Innovations & Features
§LTF certied foam protector
§Interchangeable speedbag sizes ( like the IMPRESS 3)
§Two-buckle ADVANCE system for the chest and leg straps
(Safe-T-System )
§Closure Remember System
§Tear-resistant 10mm / 15 mm strap system with «easy adjust»
buckles
§Integrated reserve system with shoulder support points
§Drink tube openings and holding loops on the shoulder straps
§Additional stowage space
§Neoprene covers on the leg straps
§Air-lled neck area coordinates an elegant outline
§Clearly dened sitting position for optimal aerodynamics
§Speed system with ball bearing pulleys
§Opening for relief tube
The LIGHTNESS 2
8 9

ADVANCE LIGHTNESS 2 products are extremely lightly built and
intended for specialised use. This puts particularly high demands
on their handling and care. A committed interest in the products
and their characteristics is essential. Because of the choice of ma-
terials and construction rucksack and harness are much more vul-
nerable to wear and tear from improper use than regular ADVANCE
products.
LIGHTNESS 2 products should never be dragged over the ground.
All the zips are for light use only; they should never be closed un-
der heavy loading. Pointed and sharp objects do not belong in the
harness back compartment, underseat stowage, speedbag side
pockets, or the rucksack; they can damage the fabric. When ac-
celerating make sure the feet stay in the centre of the speedbag or
centred on the carbon footboard, and do not press into the speed-
bag oor or sides – where they will cause undesired friction and
wear.
Caution: ADVANCE considers it important that you remain
aware of the lightweight fabrics in the LIGHTNESS pro-
ducts. You can enjoy the harness and rucksack for a long
time – but only if you look after them carefully. The label
‘Handle with Care’ is there to remind you that the lifespan of
these products depends very much on your own care and
attention.
Handle with Care
Like all commercially available reserves paraglider harnesses are
not at all suitable for freefall use because of their design features.
The reserve parachute and its connections to the harness are not
constructed for an abrupt opening.
All adjustments to the harness should be carried out before ight.
Correct set-up of the harness plays an important part in ensuring
satisfactory function, safety and ying comfort.
The LIGHTNESS 2 is exclusively to be used for paraglider ying.
General advice about paragliding
To take part in the sport of paragliding appropriate training and
well-founded knowledge of the equipment are needed, as are the
necessary insurance and licensing. A pilot has to be able to cor-
rectly assess the weather conditions before ight. His abilities must
be good enough to manage the demands of the paraglider that is
to be used. When carrying out paragliding the pilot must also take
responsibility for his care of the natural world and the landscape.
Other essential items include the wearing of an adequate helmet,
suitable shoes and clothing, and the carriage of an emergency par-
achute (reserve). Equipment must be checked for damage and its
airworthiness conrmed before every ight. A pre-takeo check
must always be carried out.
Every pilot bears exclusive responsibility for all risk encountered
when carrying out paragliding, including resulting injury and/or
death. Neither the manufacturer nor the seller of the equipment
can guarantee the safety of the pilot or be held responsible for it.
Safety advice
10 11

Delivery
Before delivery every ADVANCE product has to be checked by the
authorised dealer for completeness of the delivery package and
correct basic settings. A fully completed warranty form ensures
that deciencies in the product, attributable to the manufacturer,
are covered by the ADVANCE warranty (see ‘Warranty’ in the sec-
tion “Service”).
Delivery package
LIGHTNESS 2 delivery includes:
§Harness and Speedbag with carbon footboard
§2 Alias carabiners
§COMPRESSBAG LIGHT
§LIGHTPACK 2
§Integrated cockpit
§Detachable mini chest strap
§EN/LTF foam protector for the seat area
§Comfort foam for the back
§Reserve V-connection and reserve handle connected to the
four-ap inner container
§Speed system
§’Getting started’ booklet
The Kit contains (not tted):
§Removable instrument panel
Preparing the product
Setting up the harness
The LIGHTNESS 2 can t your body shape perfectly. ADVANCE
actually recommend the LIGHTNESS 2 basic setting as an e-
cient and good set-up; it has been arrived at and rened by the
ADVANCE test team. It will give the majority of pilots a comfortable
and optimum tting, assuming you have chosen the right harness
size. (See ‘Technical Data’)
Start out from the basic settings and make your own adjustments
step by step according to the instructions that follow. They co-
ver all the important criteria, such as upper body support, pressu-
re distribution, speedbag length and the best speedbag angle for
performance.
All buckles can be adjusted in ight. The rest of the LIGHTNESS 2
adjustment system can only be set on the ground; ADVANCE the-
refore recommend that you get well acquainted with the adjust-
ments before your rst ight in the harness. In any case, your rst
test ight should take place in quiet weather conditions.
Large choice of speedbag
A well tting and adjusted speedbag is the fundamental factor for
comfortable LIGHTNESS 2 ying. When this adjustment is correct
the harness seat shell ts like a second skin; sliding around does
not happen – the foundation for the highest level of comfort on
long ights has been laid.
Can a LIGHTNESS 2 be combined with a speedbag of a
different size?
A suitable harness can be found for just about any pilot becau-
se the speedbag also comes in the three standard sizes, S, M and
L, and is made of stretchy material. In special cases each harness
can be combined and ordered with a speedbag of a dierent size
because all three speedbags are interchangeable.
If a speedbag is changed for a dierent size make sure that you
use the speedbag lines of the new speedbag!
Important: ADVANCE recommend that you try both adja-
cent sized speedbags if you fall in an in-between, grey-area
harness region (165cm–172cm, S or M? & 178cm–183cm, M
or L?). A correct speedbag length is essential for your com-
fort and a smooth and ecient harness shape.
12 13

Caution: Setting up your LIGHTNESS 2 is not complicated or
dicult so long as you follow the recommended step by step
procedure. ADVANCE recommend that you try to achieve
the ideal position as described.
Caution: Small changes to any of the straps have a large ef-
fect on the overall setting. Proceed towards your individual
tting in very small steps and always set all straps symmetri-
cally, left and right, so that your glider likes to y straight.
Tip: Pack the back compartment and install the reserve be-
fore you start adjusting. This will give something close to a
realistic ying attitude.
1. Start at the basic settings
To begin with make sure all the straps, including the speedbag
lines, are at their basic settings. This is indicated by the base of an
end loop level with its corresponding white mark. The harness is
delivered in this condition.
Note: Speedbag line settings are marked by the mark show-
ing at both sides of the knots.
1 Legstrap
2 Breaststrap
3 Thigh straps
4 Speedbag lines
5 Back straps
6 Shoulder straps
14 15

2. Set the speedbag length
Now you can adjust the speedbag length to suit your leg length.
This setting positions your centre of gravity on the harness, and
sets the speedbag ying angle. For best aerodynamic results the
underside of the speedbag should be horizontal. To set the length
rst loosen the upper speedbag lines completely, then adjust
the lower speedbag lines – which carry most of the leg load –
to your perfect speedbag length. Now pull in the upper speedbag
lines as far as you need for a comfortable foot angle.
A good speedbag length will support the legs lightly on the foot-
board, without eort or strain. Upper and lower speedbag lines
should both be under light tension, and symmetrical (same left and
right ).
Important: A well tting and adjusted speedbag is the basis
of comfortable LIGHTNESS 2 ying. When this adjustment is
correct the harness seat shell ts like a second skin; there’s
no sliding around – the foundation for the highest level of
comfort on long ights has been laid.
More adjustments:
The angle of the footboard itself can be adjusted by slightly altering
the top to bottom relationship of the speedbag lines.
Tip: Foot support is part of the speedbag and this is what
supports you in your reclining position. The speedbag is re-
movable, but only for repair or replacement (see section
“Replacing parts“ ). The LIGHTNESS 2 harness only works wi-
th its speedbag.
Tip: Compared with the original LIGHTNESS the LIGHTNESS
2 calls for noticeably less force on the footboard to keep
the legs horizontal. This has been achieved by improved li-
ne geometry.
3. Setting the upper body angle
Now you can alter your upper body recline angle using the back
straps The back straps are mounted relatively high at the sides.
This gives good back support and takes pressure o the shoulders.
Finally you can tighten or loosen the shoulder straps as you
wish – quite loose, or providing light support – but without putting
pressure on the shoulders.
4. Checking the settings
Run through the following points to check your perfect position:
§Is the underside of the speedbag still horizontal? If not you can
move your centre of gravity by changing the length of the upper
and lower speedbag straps. It’s best to get an observer to check
the speedbag angle.
§Are the back straps low enough so that they don’t cut into your
armpits?
§The front edge of the harness should not be pressing the backs
of your knees.
§The speedbag should not have any obvious wrinkles.
Repeat the procedure as often as necessary – after every ight
( if you like ). Perfect is best: it works well.
5. Fine adjustment
Supporting the lower back
The lower back strap does the following two things:
§Improves comfort (the harness conforms to the small of your
back, like a good car seat )
§Pushes the body centre of gravity forward if the lower surface of
the speedbag is not horizontal, and points uphill. It can help to
nd the ideal position
Upper thigh strap
You can extend the support line of the seat shell under your thighs
with the help of the upper thigh straps. Fine adjustment here can
increase your comfort.
Setting the leg straps
Leg straps are not adjustable.
16 17

Adjusting the chest strap
You can alter the carabiner distance by varying the chest strap set-
ting . The ADVANCE development team recommend a ‘good
shoulder width’ of about 45 cm as ideal. The possible adjust-
ment range is between 40 und 48 cm, measured between carabi-
ner base centres. The chest strap is closed by Cobra buckles and
makes up the Safe-T-System.
The wider the chest strap the more agile will be the seat, and
weight steering will be more eective. A narrow setting gives quiet,
damped ying characteristics. The adjustable range is large and
you can match harness agility to the conditions during ight, as
you wish.
The LIGHTNESS 2 is provided with the Closure Remember System.
This is a safety device attached to the chest/leg straps which
draws the pilot’s attention to the chest strap when he closes the
speedbag before takeo, thus reminding him that the chest strap
should also be closed. This safety device may prevent the pilot
who unfastens the chest strap, leaves the speedbag closed (e.g.
following a failed takeo), then takes o again, from falling out of
the harness.
Important: Always close the chest strap rst, then the
Closure Remember System, and after that the speedbag.
Before every takeo, especially after an unsuccessful
takeo attempt, check that both buckles are closed by a
rm pull on the webbing. If the chest strap is not closed
you can fall out of the harness.
Caution: Always make sure that all buckles are closed.
Tip: The most important thing about chest strap adjustment
is that you feel good in the harness.
18 19

Fitting the speed system
Connect the speed system to the glider using Brummel hooks or
an anchor hitch. The length of the speed system can be adjusted
on the short grey lines inside the speedbag. Move the overhand
knots symmetrically. The speed system is correctly adjusted if you
can use the glider’s whole accelerate range. Make sure the lines
are not adjusted so short that the glider is always accelerated.
Closing the speedbag
To close the speedbag put the left side over the right and the plas-
tic ball through its loop. When the ying position is taken up after
takeo stretching the legs on the footboard automatically closes
the speedbag and pulls the cockpit into its ying position.
Cockpit and instrument panel
The cockpit is part of the speedbag and has a zip-fastened pocket
on top. At delivery there is a foam blank in the pocket which sup-
ports the cockpit and makes the spoiler shape. You can leave the
blank there or use the space for your own things. The instrument
panel supplied in the kit goes directly on the cockpit. The panel
has room for a GPS and/or vario, as well as several tape loops for
securing instruments. The panel itself and the instruments can also
be secured by line to loops on the cockpit.
Stowage compartment
There is a 6 litre volume compartment for your choice of equipment
in the best place under the seat, close to the centre of gravity.
More details
Shoulder holders
LIGHTNESS 2 shoulder straps have a Velcro patch and neoprene
loop. These can be used for holding items such as an emergency
alarm or Solario vario.
Drink system routeing
In the back compartment outside the comfort foam is a pocket for
a drink system container. The drinking tube can be led out through
an opening in the centre of the back compartment and secured by
the neoprene loop on a shoulder strap.
Pilot relief system routeing
There is an opening in the speedbag neoprene, on the right, be-
hind the outer side pocket, for leading a pilot relief tube over-
board. Follow the side pocket seam inside the speedbag to nd
this opening.
20 21

Installing the reserve
General advice
Every reserve/harness combination has its own peculiarities. It is
essential that pilots and parachute packers familiarise themselves
with the system and how it works – especially if any part of it is
new (new reserve in existing harness or vice versa), so that reliable
operation can be assured.
Suitable reserves
Reserve compartment volume
Basically, bulky old-style reserves in compact, modern harnesses
can be dicult to release, especially under high g loading. The cer-
tied volumes for the LIGHTNESS 2 are specied as a function
of harness size: size S 3 to 5.5 litres, size M 3 to 6 litres; size L 3
to 6.5 litres.
A very rough volume approximation can be obtained from the re-
serve weight by using this formula (Reserve weight in Kgs x 2.7 =
Volume in Litres). But, depending on packing quality and style, it
could still be possible that a reserve does not release faultless-
ly, even though it conforms to the approved maximum volume – if
calculated by this formula.
In the end analysis a compatibility test will decide in every case
whether a particular reserve/harness combination works properly.
Caution: A reserve parachute volume can expand by up to
30% when it has been newly folded. ADVANCE therefore
strongly recommend that a new compatibility test is carried
out after every repack.
Steerable reserves
A steerable reserve can be connected directly to the two coloured
support points under the shoulder strap covers, using two similar
Maillons Rapide of 2400 daN safe working load. The parachute ris-
ers run into the reserve compartment in the channel provided. The
normal harness V-connection (not used) can be led into the back
compartment through the existing opening, then stowed away in
the comfort foam pocket. Once again a compatibility test will de-
cide if the chosen reserve works properly with the LIGHTNESS 2.
Caution: Steerable reserves tend to take up more volume.
Info: You can also use Quick-Out carabiners with a steera-
ble reserve on the LIGHTNESS 2.
Packing a reserve in the LIGHTNESS 2
The LIGHTNESS 2 reserve compartment is in the best aerodyna-
mic position near the pilot’s centre of gravity. The harness/reser-
ve connection runs in a channel at the side of the harness, closed
by a zip fastener. The reserve compartment is closed by a closu-
re ap; the reserve system is thereby well protected from the out-
side, and accidental releases are hardly possible. A well-designed
release system guarantees reliable and fast opening.
Caution: Installing a reserve should be done by a qualied
person.
Inner container and its fixed reserve handle
The reserve handle and the four-ap inner container are perma-
nently connected together, and are designed so that the pull of the
handle is directed evenly over the width of the container. This mi-
nimises the risk of the container turning and jamming in the com-
partment, or becoming caught up in the reserve lines, and guaran-
tees a perfect reserve throw. The reserve handle and the four-ap
container are a part of the harness, and meet the latest LTF certi-
cation requirements. Only the original reserve handle and its four-
ap inner container may be used.
22 23

Packing the reserve in the inner container
Pack your reserve to match the shape and size of the ocial inner
container; for the LIGHTNESS 2 this means that the reserve has
to be packed in a long and narrow shape. Put the reserve lines on
the opposite side to that of the reserve handle.
Connecting harness V-connection and reserve bridle
Connect the harness V-connection and the reserve bridle using
a Maillon of at least 2400 daN safe working load. Stabilise
V-connection and bridle on the Maillon using rubber O-rings: this is
to prevent them slipping round and side-loading the Maillon when
the reserve is thrown. To make this connection by direct looping
should only be done by the harness manufacturer or a trained and
qualied person. If the loops are not positioned correctly there is
a risk that slipping, heating by friction and failure may occur when
the reserve opens.
Caution: Do not use sticky tape or cable ties ( instead of
O-rings) to stabilise the Maillon connections.
24 25

Putting the inner container into the reserve compartment
Spot to spot
First lay the V-connection and reserve bridle in the reserve com-
partment, then the inner container. It is essential that the inner con-
tainer is installed with the closure aps facing downwards. The
reserve handle connection must not be twisted. When correctly
installed spot faces spot.
Caution: If the reserve has already been packed but does
not t the shape of the inner container it must be folded
again to match the inner container.
Closing the reserve compartment
First lead the lower, longer yellow cable (1) though the buttonho-
le in the neoprene pocket (2 ) then through the channel on the un-
derside of the harness to the outside. Then lead the shorter yellow
cable (A ) to the side, through the red marking ( B ) and out of the
neoprene pocket.
Now t the reserve handle into its neoprene pocket. Put its con-
necting strap into the gap provided for it.
Then secure the loop (3) through the eyelet (4) with the lower ( lon-
ger ) cable and guide its end into the red bordered channel provi-
ded for it.
Open the zip fastener on the side (C ) all the way to its start, then
close it completely.
Caution: use Feeling - not strength!
Stow the zip puller in its garage. Protect the start end of the zip wi-
th the upper ( short ) cable, by pulling this through the loop ( D ) and
stowing it in the buttonhole.
Tip: If this V-connection channel zip gets pulled open, the
whole zip fastener must be reset by opening it completely
and closing it again.
26 27

28 29

Doing a compatibility test
In every case correct stowage of a reserve must be checked by
means of a test release. To do this you must be sitting in the har-
ness while it is hanging up by its carabiners, with the back com-
partment packed as for ight. It is not good enough to pull out the
reserve or release the handle if you are not sitting in the harness.
For a successful test you must be able to release the reserve while
in the ying position, in accordance with the guidelines in this man-
ual, without problem. Make sure that the release force is not less
than 4 daN and not more than 7 daN. If you are not sure about this
do not hesitate to contact a qualied person or your ADVANCE
dealer.
The reserve must release as a result of the correct throwing
action – for the LIGHTNESS 2 a pull to the side. If this is not the
case throwing your reserve could be a problem.
The following factors can make reserve throwing dicult or prevent
it, especially if they apply together:
§The reserve is too big or too bulky for the compartment or inner
container.
§The reserve has not been packed to the lengthwise shape of the
inner container.
§The reserve is not thrown using the correct technique. A side-
ways throwing motion is required (Caution: don’t pull it upwards).
§The reserve volume was OK when tted into a new harness, but
now it’s too big after a repack.
§The pilot’s arm length can be a factor for successful reserve th-
rowing. Small people with short arms might sometimes not be
able to release a reserve.
§When throwing is attempted under high g-loading ( > 3G, e.g. in
a spiral ).
Info: Successful compatibility tests carried out by pilots
promotes condence in their emergency systems.
Caution: Before every ight check that the reserve handle
is in the correct position, and that the yellow cables are
correctly routed.
Tip: We recommend that, during every ight, you briey put a
hand on the reserve handle – so as to remind yourself where
it is. We advise that you mentally rehearse the sideways
throwing action.
30 31

Adjusting the rucksack
The LIGHTPACK 2 Rucksack has been designed specially for the
LIGHTNESS 2 harness. The two sizes, S/M and L, are arranged
to carry a normal size paraglider, the LIGHTNESS 2 harness and
speedbag, reserve, helmet and the most important items of cloth-
ing. The compactness and geometry of the system provides a high
degree of carrying comfort.
Side pockets provide space for small objects and for a drink sys-
tem. The two lower side pockets are easy to reach while walking.
Never close the light duty zip fasteners under tension.
For an ideal individual adjustment ADVANCE recommend that you
proceed as follows for a fully packed rucksack:
1. Adjust the waist strap
The fastened waist strap of a packed rucksack should lie on the
hip bones. Pull the waist strap in at this position as far as feels
good. A correctly adjusted waist strap should carry most of the
rucksack weight on the hips.
2. Adjust the shoulder straps
Pull in the shoulder straps so that you can feel tham, but not so
that they put pressure on the shoulders. The low mounting of the
shoulder straps adapts to dierent upper body lengths. When cor-
rectly adjusted the shoulder straps lie over the shoulders, but do
not press or load them.
There’s room for clothes and instruments in the LIGHTPACK 2.
Side stowages, pockets at the back and in the waist strap, as well
as the multi-purpose bungee on the cover provide space for addi-
tional things. When the rucksack is full the side pockets can each
carry a 1.5L plastic bottle. The two lower side pockets are easy to
reach while walking. Hiking poles can be carried in the fastening
loops on the outside of the rucksack.
Caution: never drag the LIGHTPACK 2 over the ground.
Never pack pointed or sharp objects in the rucksack, or in
any of the pockets. They can damage the fabricc.
Use in practice
Flying in general
The LIGHTNESS 2 is own in a reclining position. If you have ad-
justed the harness correctly information from the wing will be trans-
mitted directly to your nether regions. Your weight will be evenly
distributed from the thighs to the shoulder blades. This means that
pressure points will be avoided, circulation will continue unimped-
ed, and you will maintain your concentration on long ights. The
aerodynamically optimised speedbag protects you from the cold
while serving as a foot support. Do the following takeo checks
before every takeo:
1. Helmet and harness chest strap fastened, reserve ok
2. Lines free
3. Canopy open
4. Wind direction and strength checked
5. Airspace and view free
Caution: Always fasten the chest strap rst, then the speed-
bag. Before every takeo, and especially after a failed take-
o, check – by a physical pull with the hand – that you have
closed both quick release buckles correctly. If the chest
strap is not closed you can fall out of the harness.
Using the speedbag
After lift o keep the forward-leaning upper body position so that
you do not slide down in the harness: you can then easily pick up
the dangling speedbag with a foot – preferably the right one. A
quick look down at the speedbag opening makes this easier to do.
The speedbag closes automatically when you stretch your legs in
it, and pressure on the footboard pushes you back into a comfort-
able reclining position.
After taking up the ying position and stretching your legs the
speedbag closure system will automatically close the speedbag
top and bring the cockpit into position. For landing take both feet
out of the speedbag in good time, and take up an upright position.
Always make a stand up landing, so as to avoid damage to body or
equipment.
Tip: The speedbag can be very warm; if it gets too warm in-
side bend a knee to let air in.
32 33

Using the speed system
The speed loop is tensioned forward so you can always easily
reach it. One leg should always be straight to keep tension in the
speedbag. When you wish to use the second speed loop step, the
foot already on the rst speed step automatically takes over this
function. Accelerating with one foot means you can feel the wing
better and use the speed system for active ying. While pushing
the speed loop be careful not to push your heels into the speed-
bag oor in your enthusiasm to burn rubber. This could overstress
the speedbag material. (See also “Fitting the speed system” in the
section ”Using the harness“.)
Caution: Always connect your speed system to the wing.
Free-hanging speed lines could interfere with a reserve
throwing.
Throwing the reserve
In an emergency pull the reserve handle out with a rm tug and
throw it (and the inner container) into free airspace. The lines will
straighten, which opens the inner container. The reserve canopy
will extend and ll. Disable the paraglider by pulling down strong-
ly on the B or C risers, so that it does not compete with the reserve
and encourage scissoring. This happens when both canopies pull
against each other on opposite sides of the vertical ight path.
Walking with the LIGHTNESS
This is most comfortable when the rucksack is full and under light
‘full up’ tension. The volume of the rucksack is partly taken up by
a correctly folded glider, then ne tuning follows automatically wi-
th the expansion of the harness protector foam, which takes up the
available space. The rucksack does not need a compression strap.
Pack hiking poles – points upward – in the harness back compart-
ment, not too full of course, and without creating extra tension. An
overstued back pocket can aect ination during ight.
Tip: ADVANCE recommend that you always have rubber
tips available for your walking poles. These not only pro-
tect others’ ears from the annoying clacking on the road, but
protect the rucksack when all are stowed in the back of the
harness in ight.
Tip: To save space don’t carry drinks in plastic bottles or
food in plastic containers, but in zip bags or in bar form.
When empty the bags take up little space. Drink systems
( like a camelbak ) can be stowed in the rucksack side pocket
and the tube secured in a shoulder strap loop.
34 35

Packing the rucksack
Fold the paraglider to the width of the rucksack and pack it in its
COMPRESSBAG LIGHT in the rucksack rst, on the back padding,
and push it to the bottom.
Fold the harness in half with the carabiners inside. Lie the har-
ness – with the comfort foam on top - on the glider and slide it
completely down in the rucksack. Compress the package so that
you can fold the rucksack cover down and easily close the zip
fasteners. Finally stand the rucksack up. Clothing can be pushed
behind the harness and the remaining space on top lled with
helmet, instruments and supplies.
Caution: Never drag LIGHTNESS 2 products over the
ground. Close all the zip fasteners gently and never under
tension. Never pack pointed or sharp objects in the harness
back pocket, the under-seat pocket or inside the rucksack:
they can damage the fabric.
Packing the LIGHTNESS 2 back and
under-seat pockets
ADVANCE give you a compression bag with the LIGHTNESS 2 so
that the paraglider takes up minimum space in the rucksack. The
COMPRESSBAG LIGHT is ideal for the LIGHTNESS 2.
The COMPRESSBAG LIGHT is delivered in 2 sizes; howev-
er you cannot choose your own size. The S/M COMPRESSBAG
LIGHT goes with the 82Ltr LIGHTPACK 2, and size L the 90Ltr
LIGHTPACK 2.
Careful packing of the 2 harness stowages has a signicant ef-
fect on ying comfort. Oddly shaped and hard objects can be felt
through the back and lower seat shell surface and can aect your
reclining comfort.
First pack the COMPRESSBAG LIGHT in the harness back com-
partment and push it all the way down. Roll up the LIGHTPACK 2
long and thin, and push that into the back pocket. The remaining
space should be used sensibly. Pack hiking poles (rubbered points
upwards), rations and clothes cautiously around the rolled ruck-
sack, but do not pack too full, or strain the back compartment.
Using the harness with other brands of
paraglider
The LIGHTNESS 2 can be used with any glider - there is no
restriction.
Winching
All ADVANCE harnesses are suitable for winching. Connect your
LIGHTNESS 2 to the tow link using rope loops or Maillons from
the main carabiners. If in doubt always consult the winch driver, or
someone authorised by the manufacturer.
Acro flying
The LIGHTNESS 2 is not suitable for acro ying. Freestyle manoeu-
vres pose no problem, however.
Tandem flying
The LIGHTNESS 2’s size and purpose mean that it is not at all
suitable for tandem ying – whether for a pilot or passenger.
36 37

Replacing parts
The LIGHTNESS 2 harness is delivered with a foam protector
under the seat, comfort foam in the back and a tted speedbag,
footboard and speed lines. These parts can be removed for
replacement or repair.
Foam protector and comfort foam
The foam protector compartment is under the seat, between the
reserve and the ballast stowage. Open the zip fastener, and take
out the foam protector.
The comfort foam is in its own compartment in the back pocket.
Open the zip fastener, and take out the comfort foam.
Speedbag
To t a new speedbag rst take the carabiners out of the red loops.
Then open both zips, the Velcro strip, and disconnect the speed li-
nes. The blue lower footboard (speedbag) lines, that go from the
seat shell front and back up through the pulleys must also be un-
done (at the speedbag and seat shell!).
Now you can remove the old speedbag and t the new one by re-
tting the speed lines, the blue lines (to the seat shell ), then the
Velcro and the two zips.
Caution: Always use the ocial blue lines that come with the
new speedbag..
Caution: Hang all the red loops in the carabiners, otherwise
the speedbag zips will be irreparably damaged when loaded.
Info: The footboard is a part of the speedbag, and pro-
vides an essential support for the reclining position. The
LIGHTNESS 2 harness only works with the speedbag.
Footboard
A new footboard should be pushed into the footboard pocket in
the speedbag, and the pocket secured with the Velcro.
Speed loop
To t a new speed loop start at the grey connecting loop on the
end. This attaches to the bungee coming from the footboard insi-
de the speedbag. Now lead the grey speed lines through the rst
pulleys, (1) then through the red markings (2). Pull them through
the second pulleys, and out of the harness through the openings
in the sides of the speedbag (3 ), where they can be connected to
the wing by Brummel hooks or anchor hitches. The length of the
speed lines can now be adjusted at the grey interconnect lines in-
side the speed bag. Move the overhand knots the same amount
each side.
Caution: Check that the speed lines do not cross and rub
against the lower speedbag lines.
Caution: Only use the original speed lines and loop. Other
lines, or a speedbar, could chafe and damage the speedbag
and harness.
38 39