Advance acoustic Omega X Alps 3 User manual

Edition 2 / 07_2019
User manual

Thank you for flying ADVANCE.................................3
About ADVANCE ...........................................4
The OMEGA XALPS 3 .......................................5
Outstandig Features.....................................5
Pilot requirements ..........................................6
General advice about paragliding ..........................6
Handle with care ...........................................7
Using the paraglider.........................................8
Delivery ..............................................8
Basic settings .........................................8
Adjusting the brake lines .................................8
Setting the Speed System ................................9
Weight range ..........................................9
Flight characteristics .......................................10
Takeof f ..............................................10
Normal flight.......................................... 11
Turning .............................................. 11
Accelerated Flight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Using the Pitch Control Handles ..........................13
Collapses ............................................14
Stalling ..............................................16
Landing ............................................. 17
Flying with a wet paraglider ..............................18
Winching ............................................18
Acro flying ...........................................18
Paramotoring .........................................18
SIV .................................................18
Packing .................................................19
Maintenance and checks....................................21
Maintenance .........................................21
Check ..............................................22
Repairs and disposal .......................................23
Repairs..............................................23
Disposal .............................................24
Technical Details ..........................................26
Materials used ............................................27
Certification ..........................................28
Folding lines ..........................................28
Suitable harnesses.....................................29
Service .................................................30
Warranty ............................................30
List of parts ..............................................32
Lineplan.................................................33
Risers ..................................................34
Bowline .................................................35
Installation instructions Softlink ...............................36
Content
2

Congratulations on your choice of an OMEGA XALPS 3 – 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 OMEGA XALPS 3 online on www.advance.ch/warranty;
you will then receive product updates or safety-related bulletins about
the OMEGA XALPS 3 direct from us. This information will also be avail-
able to download from our website at www.advance.ch, as will the lat-
est version 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 OMEGA XALPS 3, and
always “happy landings”.
Team ADVANCE
Thank you for flying ADVANCE
3

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

The OMEGA XALPS 3 transforms the OMEGA XALPS series into a
completely new glider generation. As the first 2-liner from ADVANCE, it
impresses with outstanding technological features and combines the
entire know-how of the development team.
In addition to the typical 2-liner advantages such as the B-control, the
OMEGA XALPS 3 impresses with its honest extreme flight behaviour.
Outstandig Features
Flyable Top Speed
The OMEGA XALPS 3 is one of the fastest of its class. The light ra-
cer also has a very effective yet easy to use accelerate system. This
can be very useful for the competition and adventure race pilot on long
passages where speed is important.
Performance
The OMEGA XALPS 3 has a completely newly developed profile. In ad-
dition to the very good climbing behaviour the glider has significantly
improved its penetration into wind. As a result of its high pitch and di-
rectional stability the OMEGA XALPS 3 is, moreover, very comfortab-
le to fly.
Nitinol Rods
As a first ADVANCE glider the OMEGA XALPS 3 uses Nitinol Rods.
These Nitinol Rods, are especially adapted to the lightweight construc-
tion of the OMEGAA XALPS 3. The material is extremely light, durab-
le and its properties allow a wide range of packing methods and smal-
lest packing volumes.
The OMEGA XALPS 3
5

The OMEGA XALPS 3 is a thoroughbred high performance wing, which
should be flown exclusively by very experienced, performance-orienta-
ted cross country or competition pilots.
To fully master an OMEGA XALPS 3 a pilot must already have expe-
rience of high performance wings in a typical variety of atmospheric
conditions. An OMEGA XALPS 3 pilot must be capable of a very active
flying technique, and fly frequently. Only then will the full performance
potential of this paraglider be achieved, and the pilot be able to go on
his cross country way safely, in a relaxed frame of mind.
General advice about paragliding
Flying a paraglider calls for appropriate training and a sound knowl-
edge of the subject, as well as, of course, the necessary insurance
cover and licence. A pilot must be able to correctly assess the weather
conditions before taking off. His or her capabilities must be adequate
for the actual paraglider. 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 carrying
an emergency parachute (a ‘reserve’) are essential. Before every flight
all items of equipment should be checked for damage and airworthi-
ness. A proper pre-takeoff check must also be carried out.
Every pilot bears sole responsibility for all risks, including injury or
death, when participating in the sport of paragliding. Neither the manu-
facturer nor the seller of a paraglider can guarantee or be held respon-
sible for the pilot’s safety.
Pilot requirements
6

The ADVANCE OMEGA XALPS 3 is designed to be as light as possible
for its specific areas of use. This places significant demands on those
who use and look after it. The owner should become very familiar with
the product, its qualities and requirements. Because of its specialised
materials and construction the OMEGA XALPS 3 can suffer wear and
damage if it is carelessly or ignorantly used.
The OMEGA XALPS 3 should never be dragged over the ground.
Pointed and sharp objects such as stones or twigs can damage the li-
nes and fabric. ADVANCE recommend that you choose your takeoff
surface carefully.
Caution: ADVANCE considers it important that you are aware
of and respect the OMEGA XALPS 3’s lightweight materials. The
OMEGA XALPS 3 will provide long-term enjoyment, but only if
you look after it carefully.
Handle with care
7

Using the paraglider
Delivery
Before delivery every ADVANCE paraglider has to be flown by the deal-
er and checked for correct settings and trim. When this has been done
the dealer enters the date of the first flight on the label attached to a
centre rib. This entry, together with a completed warranty card, will en-
sure 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”.
OMEGA XALPS 3 delivery consists of an ADVANCE compress bag, a
repair kit and a Mini-Windsock.
Basic settings
The length of the brake lines is set at the factory so that the trail-
ing edge is not braked (is crease-free) when brakes are fully released
in fully accelerated flight. This setting should be kept as a matter of
principle.
Adjusting the brake lines
The brake handle positions have been set at the factory to allow free
brake line travel of approximately 8 cm between the brakes free posi-
tion and the point where brake application first affects the wing trailing
edge in unaccelerated flight. This free run makes sure, among other
things, that the trailing edge remains unbraked with brakes released,
both at takeoff and during accelerated flight, thus implying that the
brake line length should not be altered.
We recommend the bowline knot for fastening the brake handles. See
illustration at the end of the manual.
8

Setting the Speed System
We recommend that the OMEGA XALPS 3 speed system is correctly
adjusted before your first flight. When doing this you must confirm that
the full range of the speed system travel can be used. The OMEGA
XALPS 3 suspension system has Brummel hooks on the riser speed li-
nes which connect to those on the harness.
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!
Weight range
The weight ranges for the two different sized gliders are given in the
“Technical Data” section. The figures given here apply to total in-flight
weight. This includes everything that will be flying – pilot weight, clo-
thes and all equipment (paraglider, harness, reserves, instruments etc.).
Flight at the lower or upper ends of a weight range can have some ef-
fect on the glider’s flying behaviour, but does not affect your safety.
9

Flight characteristics
We recommend that you make your first flights with a new glider in
quiet conditions at a site you know. A few pull ups on easy ground will
give you confidence in your OMEGA XALPS 3’ handling, from the ve-
ry beginning.
Takeoff
Takeoff preparation
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?
Tip: To get the wing in the right shape for takeoff do the follow-
ing: pull the brake lines in while you are sorting the lines until the
canopy arrives at the perfect banana shape.
For its performance class the OMEGA XALPS 3’ easy rising profile ma-
kes takeoffs surprisingly straightforward.
Forward Takeoff
Even for a long line wing the OMEGA XALPS 3 only needs a light im-
pulse to pull up. Lead the glider up with distinct leaning forward, but
without too much pull on the A risers.
After any correcting, and a quick look up, a few rapid steps with con-
tinued leaning forward will soon have you airborne, even if there’s not
much wind.
Reverse takeoff
The backwards pull up is usually recommended if there’s strong wind
coming up, but it also works well in light wind. During the pull up the
OMEGA XALPS 3 long lines may make it advisable to walk towards the
wing to control its rising speed and pressure, and thereby limit any ten-
dency to overshoot at the top. Turning round and taking off with the
OMEGA XALPS 3 will then turn out to be easy.
10

Normal flight
n quiet air the OMEGA XALPS 3 best glide is at trim speed – fully re-
leased brakes. Light braking will achieve minimum sink. In headwind,
sinking air, and/or with a climb expected in the next thermal, overall A
to B cross country performance can be improved by appropriate use
of the speed system.
In general, we recommend an active flying technique in turbulent air.
Info: Make a point of assessing the effects of wingloading and
harness by means of comparison flights. The exceptional perfor-
mance of the OMEGA XALPS 3 mainly becomes evident during
accelerated flight into a headwind and – because of its balanced
pitching characteristics – when it’s bumpy.
Turning
The OMEGA XALPS 3 reacts very directly and progressively to incre-
asing steering demand. Active weightshift is also a good steering aid.
The OMEGA XALPS 3 itself maintains your chosen turn radius with a
steady turn application – without needing tiresome circling corrections.
Angle of bank can always be adjusted by brake position and load.
The OMEGA XALPS 3 climbs beautifully in thermals. Because there
is not a lot of pitching to correct the wing is able to climb without the
hindrance of excessive brake and speed corrections, thus improving
its climb performance – quite distinctly. In a thermal choose your bank
angle and let the glider circle steadily in this attitude. Use outside bra-
ke as necessary to control the outside wingtip, specifically to maintain
a constant rate of turn. The type of harness recommended for the
OMEGA XALPS 3 will assist you in entering and maintaining the desi-
red steady turning. See also the section ”Suitable harnesses”.
If one or both brake lines were to fail for some reason the wing can be
steered without problem by a light pull on the B-handles.
Caution: Too hard a pull on the B-handles could cause a stall!
11

Accelerated Flight
The OMEGA XALPS 3 wing remains extremely stable even in accele-
rated flight. However, paragliders operate at a lower angle of attack
while flying at their higher speeds, and the degree of stability is gene-
rally reduced. The higher aerodynamic forces involved at higher air-
speeds mean that a collapse can be more dynamic (see also section
“Collapses“).
Bear in mind that a paraglider flies at a reduced angle of attack when
accelerated, and can generally be considered to be less stable at high
speed. Because of the greater forces in play at high speed, collapses
will be more dynamic.
When encountering severe turbulence while flying accelerated re-
lease the speedbar fully before applying the necessary stabilising bra-
ke. The OMEGA XALPS 3’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 condi-
tions, instead of brake. Pitch attitude disturbances can be minimised in
this way, and optimal glide performance can be maintained.
§When the angle of attack increases ( e.g. wing pitches back when
entering lift ), the speed bar is briefly pressed harder.
§When the angle of attack decreases (e.g. wing pitches forward ), the
speed bar is released.
Info: The OMEGA XALPS 3 is a high aspect ratio 2 liner, and this
makes accelerating physically easier, achieving high speed with
relatively short speed line travel. Go carefully with your feet.
12

Using the Pitch Control Handles
The OMEGA XALPS 3 has Pitch Control Handles (on the backs of the
B-risers). It is possible to steer using these B-handles instead of the
brake lines – from trim speed right up to 100 % speedbar.
When taking hold of the B-handles make sure that you have released
your brake wraps. By careful pulling then releasing you can oppose a
forward pitch movement in light turbulence. As well as that, you should
also compensate for canopy pressure reduction e.g. as generally
occurs before a collapse. Finger weight alone will feel a loss of B-riser
tension.
Info: Learning efficient and instinctive B-handle technique needs
much practice and experience. Try it out slowly.
Caution: The B-handles should be operated with care and dis-
cretion. As with other paragliding activities too much and too ab-
rupt pulling risks stalling.
Caution: Do not push full speedbar and brake the glider at the
same time with the brakes.
13

Collapses
Asymmetric collapse
The OMEGA XALPS 3 has a particularly taut and very stable canopy.
An asymmetric collapse of more than 50% at trim speed will result in
moderate yawing. In accelerated flight the higher aerodynamic forces
and energy level will make an asymmetric collapse more impulsive. The
yawing behaviour is more dynamic, and calls for fast defensive reac-
tion on your part.
If you experience an asymmetric collapse keep control of your direc-
tion with careful corrective braking, then raise the air pressure in the
collapsed side with brake pumping. This will speed up reopening the
closed side. Don’t forget the very careful braking on the good side –
too much can easily stall this remaining useful 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 outside
brake. Then open the cravated wingtip by pulling the orange stabilo
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.
Symmetrical collapse (Frontstall)
Following a spontaneous front collapse the airflow will break away
from the wing profile, the canopy will stop flying and pitch back. Wait,
without pulling the brakes, until the wing is back above you, and af-
ter it has returned to normal forward flight (after some delay) you can
stabilise it with brake. After a big front collapse it could be that the ca-
nopy stays in a folded but stable situation. This can be corrected by
well- judged, symmetric brake application. Any resulting light forward
pitching should again be addressed with well- judged brake.
Caution: ADVANCE Strongly advise against simulated front and
side collapses! If an OMEGA XALPS 3 is subjected to a simula-
ted front or side collapse without folding lines (as applies to all
EN/LTF-D paragliders certified with folding lines) the line of fold
or break (collapse) will be decided deeper than required for the
test, and the resulting recovery will be very impulsive and ag-
gressive. As a rule, simulated collapses under these circumstan-
ces do not represent the real thing; see section «Folding lines»
for more.
Caution: The OMEGA XALPS 3 was designed in the successful
light-build style. The High-Tech materials used are not intended
to live with simulated canopy disturbances.
14

Fast descents
For a quick and efficient way of getting down we recommend, depen-
ding on the situation, the spiral dive or big ears (with or without speed
system). You should practise fast descents from time to time – so that
they don’t become an emergency when required.
Symmetrical folding of the wingtips (Ears)
To apply this configuration pull the outer, blue marked A lines briskly
down together. This will collapse the wingtips, which will stay folded.
To open them briefly brake both sides.
Caution: Do not fly spirals or sharp changes of direction wi-
th big ears applied; the increased loading carried by fewer lines
can damage the structure.
Caution: Be aware that flying with big ears brings the stall clo-
ser. Be careful with the brake lines when big ears are applied,
and do not use this descent method if the wing is wet. See also
section «Flying with a wet paraglider».
Spiral dive
For the most comfortable way to carry out this manoeuvre we re-
commend a carabiner distance of 40 - 45 cm. Enter the manoeuvre
by progressive increase of a steering demand. Head and field of view
should be directed in the turn direction. Rotation rate, speed and cen-
trifugal force will rise with increasing angle of bank.
Exit from this manoeuvre is carried out with a neutral sitting positi-
on and progressive release of inside brake. Care is essential with the
brake release when recovering from a steep spiral dive of high verti-
cal speed and rotation rate. This judgment is necessary to minimise
the excess energy remaining when the turn stops - which can lead to a
zoom climb and subsequent pitch forward. Be sure to start the recove-
ry with plenty of height remaining above the ground. Generally, the exit
takes the same amount of time as the entry, but the vertical speed will
be much higher – and much more height will be used!
Caution: Because of the high dynamic and long lines recove-
ry from the spiral must be carried out slowly! Active weightshift
to the inside of the turn causes stronger acceleration and stab-
le rotation. In this case recovery requires active outside brake to-
gether with outside weight shift.
Caution: The OMEGA XALPS 3 is certified for harnesses in
group GH (without rigid cross bracing). Harnesses in group GX
(with cross bracing) or those with very low suspension points
can drastically alter the spiral dive behaviour. See section
«Suitable harnesses».
15

Stalling
Stalling on one side (Spin)
The OMEGA XALPS 3 warns of an impending spin with rising bra-
ke loading on the turn side. If this wing should stall, however, you will
feel a marked drop in brake load. In this situation you must fully re-
lease both brakes to allow the OMEGA XALPS 3 to return itself to nor-
mal flight.
ADVANCE do not recommend that you attempt a spin, even though
this manoeuvre does not pose special difficulties for the OMEGA
XALPS 3.
Fullstall
The fullstall is approached by progressively applying both brakes sym-
metrically. Airspeed will decrease and wind noise will become quie-
ter. After reaching minimum speed the glider will enter a brief phase of
constant attitude deep stall. Further brake application will cause the
airflow to fully break away from the wing, which will pitch back in full-
stall. To recover, the canopy must first be carefully allowed to preinfla-
te over its whole span. To do this the brakes must be slowly released,
then, when the wing is preinflated, released fully. If, at this last point,
the wing has not preinflated adequately, or is allowed to go forward too
quickly, wingtip cravats are possible. If a cravat occurs it is important
that the OMEGA XALPS 3 is kept flying straight by careful brake, and
the cravat corrected by pulling the relevant orange-marked stabilo line
down. It has not been possible to establish stable deep stall. For more
on this last subject see also section “Flying with a wet paraglider”.
Caution: Due to its high aspect ratio it has proved difficult to
keep the OMEGA XALPS 3 in the stall. After a stall allow the
wing to reinflate slowly and let it start to go forward carefully be-
fore you completely release the brake lines. ADVANCE advise
against subjecting your OMEGA XALPS 3 structure to this kind
of stress in SIV training.
Deep Stall
It has not been possible to confirm spontaneous occurrence of stable
deep stall for the OMEGA XALPS 3. However, you can bring the wing
to deep stall using the brakes, and hold it there. The wing returns to
normal flight as soon as the brakes are fully released.
In rain, or if the glider is already wet, the OMEGA XALPS 3, like eve-
ry paraglider, becomes more prone to deep stall. If a paraglider suc-
ceeds in staying in deep stall you should recover by accelerating the
wing using the speed system only. See also section “Flying with a wet
paraglider”.
16

Landing
Always make a proper landing circuit with a well-planned final ap-
proach. As the ground approaches progressively increase brake to le-
vel the flight-path, before applying full brake to completely arrest the
forward speed.
Caution: Steep turn reversals lead to strong swinging of the pi-
lot, and should not be done near the ground.
Caution: Braking will reduce your speed and increase your sink,
but it will certainly seriously restrict your ability to manoeuvre.
Caution: Getting below minimum speed leads to stalling: this
should unquestionably be avoided when top landing, and on fi-
nal approach.
Handle with care: Never let your glider fall to the ground on its
leading edge. The overpressure so caused inside the wing can-
rip the cell walls and damage the leading edge.
Handle with care: After landing in water the canopy can quick-
ly fill up, and become very heavy. The canopy should be lifted
out of the water by its trailing edge, giving the water a chance to
run out . Otherwise it might tear under this unaccustomed hea-
vy load.
17

Flying with a wet paraglider
Flying with a wet glider creates a risk of deep stall. Deep stall is of-
ten the result of a combination of factors. The weight of the wet cano-
py goes up, and this increased weight increases the angle of attack,
which always puts the glider nearer the deep stall limit. Added to this,
water drops on the top surface have a detrimental effect on the laminar
flow of the boundary layer near the leading edge, which distinctly redu-
ces the maximum lift coefficient. If the wet glider is also being flown at
its lower weight limit there is a further small effect of increasing the an-
gle of attack, as well as there being a lower airspeed because of the
reduced wing loading.
In order to avoid the risk of deep stall with a wet glider the wing should
be braked as little as possible, and big ears not used at all. As a further
preventative measure apply moderate ( 25-40% ) speed bar. All these
actions have a small effect in reducing the angle of attack.
If the wet glider does get into deep stall, recovery can only be achie-
ved using the speed bar. See also section «Deep stall».
Winching
The OMEGA XALPS 3 has good takeoff behaviour, so is suitable for to-
wing by winch. However, the ADVANCE test team have made no such
tests.
Acro flying
The OMEGA XALPS 3 is not suitable for acrobatic flying.
Paramotoring
The OMEGA XALPS 3 is not certified for flight with a motor.
SIV
The OMEGA XALPS 3 was certified using folding lines. Due to both this
fact and the glider’s lightbuild construction ADVANCE advise against
18

General
The OMEGA XALPS 3 should be packed cell on cell. There are vari-
ous methods. We recommend the following: First gather the cells at
the leading edge, beginning at the wing centre. Collect one side to the
centre, then the other side. Make sure that the Rigid Foils (wires) of the
leading edge lie as flat as possible on each other and (important) at the
same height. This will ensure that all leading edge wires will automati-
cally be at the same level (important for later folding). Then follow the
same process at the trailing edge – except that the ends of these cells
will not be at the same level because of the elliptical shape of the wing
– the ribs get shorter as the wingtips are approached. Do not disturb
the positions of the leading edge wires – already carefully gathered.
Now turn the collected left and right lanes over into the centre, then
fold one over the other. Regularly change the position of this final cre-
ase to save wear on the same lane.
Now fold the paraglider to the width of the inner bag, then fold the pa-
raglider to the length of the inner bag as usual. Because of the Nithinol-
Rods you can fold the OMEGA XALPS 3 as needed.
Be aware that careless packing will shorten your OMEGA XALPS 3’s
life. Do not leave the wing unnecessarily in the sun, and never subject
it to large temperature changes. Always store your OMEGA XALPS 3
in a dry place. As for all paragliders, avoid excessive compression and
extra-tight packing.
Packing
19

Info: ADVANCE recommend packing and storing the OMEGA
XALPS 3 in a cell bag. The ADVANCE Tubebag (304 gms) is ve-
ry suitable.
Packing with the Tubebag
Packing in a sausage bag is good for the wing, and is easy to do. It
avoids undesirable sliding over the ground. Also the shape-retaining
storage in a Tubebag promotes long glider life.
Lay your wing, mushroomed as after landing, on the spread Tubebag.
Next spread the centre chord out to Tubebag length. Arrange the lines
and stow the risers on their tabs. Now gather the leading edge cells as
described in “General” above, except that all cells make up one pile –
no secondary folding into the centre. Then fasten the upper Tubebag
strap over the collected leading edge foils so that it holds them neat-
ly together. Follow the same basic process at the trailing edge. Pull the
centre lane straight then flatten and collect the outlying cells as already
described above. Do this gently: do not disturb your leading edge posi-
tions. Final close the Tubebag then fold the Tubebag as needed.
20