Advance acoustic PI 2 User manual

Edition 1 / 11_2015
User Manual

2

Thank you for flying ADVANCE.............................4
About ADVANCE .......................................5
The PI2 ..............................................6
One wing, many uses................................ 7
Piloting requirements ....................................8
General advice about paraglider flying ...................9
Handle with care ......................................10
Preparing the wing..................................... 12
Delivery ......................................... 12
Basic settings .................................... 12
Adjusting the brake lines ............................ 12
Adjusting the speed system .......................... 12
Suitable harnesses.................................13
Flight characteristics ................................... 15
Connecting the risers............................... 15
Takeoff ..........................................15
Normal flight...................................... 17
Turning .......................................... 17
Accelerated flight ..................................18
Collapses ........................................ 19
Fast descents ....................................20
Stall ............................................22
Landing .........................................23
Flying with a wet paraglider (Risk of parachutal stall) .......23
Winching / Paramotoring ............................24
Acro ............................................ 24
Maintenance, Repair and Care ...........................26
Packing .........................................26
Care and maintenance..............................26
Check .......................................... 27
Repairs.......................................... 27
Technical details.......................................29
Materials used ....................................30
Certification ...................................... 31
Service..........................................33
ADVANCE Service Centres ..................... 33
The ADVANCE website .............................33
Warranty ........................................33
Wing parts ...........................................35
Line plan ............................................36
Risers .............................................. 37
Instructions Palstek-Note................................38
Installation instructions Softlink ...........................39
Inhalt
3

Thank you for flying ADVANCE
Congratulations on your choice of an PI 2 - 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 in-
structions and important information about safety, care and mainte-
nance, and that’s why we recommend that you read this document
carefully before your first flight
Register your PI 2 online on www.advance.ch/warranty; you will then
receive product updates or safety-related bulletins about the PI 2 di-
rect from us. This information will also be available to download from
our website at www.advance.ch, as will the latest version of this manu-
al 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 PI 2, and always «happy
landings».
Team ADVANCE
4

ADVANCE, based in Switzerland, is one of the world’s leading paraglid-
er manufacturers. Since it was founded in 1988, the company has con-
sistently pursued its own directions and concepts, both in develop-
ment and production. The results are quality products with distinctive
characteristics.
Behind the ADVANCE brand name is a team of specialists who share
the passion and trust in the company’s products. At home in the air
themselves, they contribute their valuable personal experience and
dedication to the working processes.
Total control of the production process and supervision of the working
practices at the ADVANCE factory in Vietnam ensure a high standard
of workmanship. Long term relationships with fabric and line manufac-
turers means that ADVANCE knowledge and expertise also finds its
way directly into the development of new materials.
ADVANCE attaches great importance to after-sales customer support,
and has built up a worldwide service network for this purpose. An
on-going interaction with its customers brings in a steady flow of new
knowledge that finds its way into ADVANCE products, thus completing
the «Circle of Service».
About ADVANCE
5

The PI 2
PI 2 – Light Versatility
Enjoy the freedom and the versatility – in the air and on the ground.
The new PI 2 is one of the lightest low-pack-volume serial wings on
the market, and, with four sizes and three specified weight ranges per
size, is also one of the most versatile paragliders currently available.
Whether for thermaling, Hike & Fly, or use as a MiniWing, it’s you who
decide with the new PI 2.
The table shows the EN/LTF A certification as “Beginner”, EN/LTF
B certification as “Occasional” (Leisure) and the EN/LTF C level as
“Expert”.
27
23
19
16
50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
m2
kg
OCCASIONAL EXPERT
EXPERT
OCCASIONAL
OCCASIONAL
BEGINNER
THERMIK
HIKE & FLY
HIKE & FLY MINI VOILE
MINI VOILE
MINI VOILE
THERMIK
HIKE & FLY
HIKE & FLY
THERMIK
BEGINNER
6

One wing, many uses
Each PI 2 size is subdivided into three weight ranges «Thermal», «Hike
& Fly» and «MiniWing ». These classifications are a function of wing
loading, and require different levels of piloting ability:
Thermal
Compact, light, best climbing qualities and maximum safety: in the
thermal range, with wing loadings up to 3.5 kg/m2, the PI 2 canopy’s
quiet pitching behaviour makes it very confortable to fly, and its mod-
est packed volume suits it for travellers. In its 23 and 27 sizes it can al-
so be recommended as a first light wing. A reduced line setup gives
the PI 2 notable performance.
Hike & Fly
Easy to carry, easy to sort, easy to manage: the Hike & Fly weight range,
with wing loadings between 3.5 and 4.5 kg/m2, is intended for leisure
pilots and hikers who prefer to savour the important things in life – en-
joying time spent in the mountains. “Air Scoop Technology” combined
with semi-circular intakes gives the PI 2 high passive safety and agreea-
ble flight characteristics at these weights.
MiniWing
Minimum weight and maximum wing loading: this MiniWing area starts
at 4.5 kg/m2, and provides the PI 2 with an actionwing’s higher trim
speed. The purely dynamic possibilities of this flying style encourage
maximum flying fun, fast contour-chasing, strong wind soaring or use
as an ultralight descent mode for mountaineers – always bearing in
mind that its pilots must be very experienced, have specific expertise
and accurate handling technique.
High wing loading: the higher the wing loading the more agile
a canopy becomes, and the more demanding will be its behav-
iour in extreme situations. This principle applies even more so as
the wing itself gets smaller. In referring to the MiniWing ethos we
draw attention to PI 2 flying characteristics in this weight range,
especially when applied to the 16 and 19 size wings.
7

Piloting requirements
Detailed depiction of recommended and extended weight ranges is
provided in the ‘Technical Data” section. The weight figures quoted
there apply to total in flight weight – pilot’s weight plus clothes, all the
equipment (wing, harness, reserve, instruments etc.; in fact everything
that is to go into the air).
Loading and wing size
The PI 2 has different EN/LTF classifications depending on wing size,
its three wing loading ranges, and the demands each combination
makes of its pilot.
As a general rule, flying qualities and handling become more demand-
ing at higher wing loading, and steering response is more direct. We
can also say that, for simple aeromechanical reasons, smaller wings
are more agile (move around faster) than large ones, have shorter
brake travel, and are therefore considered to be more demanding to fly
– even when flown at their lower wing loadings.
Beginner – EN/LTF A Certification
The PI 2 23 and 27 sizes have recommended takeoff weight ranges
of 65 – 95 kg and 75 – 105 kg respectively, and demonstrate maximal
passive safety. This is reflected by the EN/LTF A certification.
As such, the PI 2 makes a good school glider, suitable for beginners.
These pilots will continue to feel happy and relaxed under this qui-
et and well-balanced wing, long after they have completed the basics.
Leisure flyers will appreciate the PI 2’s comfortable handling and no-
tably good performance. The recommended takeoff weight range for
both these sizes applies to the thermal area, and here the PI 2 demon-
strates its good climb and glide abilities.
Occasional – EN/LTF B
The PI 2 is certified EN/LTF B for the recommended takeoff weight
range of the 19 (50 – 75 kg), and in the extended ranges of the 23 and
27 sizes (95 – 110 kg and 105 – 120 kg).
These weight ranges are intended for pilots with a competent active
flying style. They can recognise and prevent collapses at their onset, or
deal with them without overreacting.
8

Expert – EN/LTF C
Short lines and short brake travel give the PI 2 16 an EN/LTF C over its
whole weight range (50 – 90 kg). The 19 wing is also classified as EN/
LTF C in its extended range (75 – 95 kg).
In these weight ranges experts are called for who fly with anticipation
and foresight, and know how to handle high flying speeds.
High wing loading: Smaller wings are generally considered to
be more agile – this applies when compared with a larger version
of the same paraglider model when flown at the same wing load-
ing. This is why the PI 2 in 16 and 19 sizes are classified EN/LTF
C and B respectively, - including flight at thermal weights.
General advice about paraglider flying
Taking part in the sport of paragliding requires suitable training, a fun-
damental knowledge of the materials involved, and the necessary li-
cence and insurance. A pilot must be able to correctly assess the local
weather conditions. His/her abilities must be adequate for the actual
paraglider to be used.
It is essential that an adequate helmet, suitable footwear and cloth-
ing be worn. A reserve parachute must be carried. Before every flight
all parts of the equipment must be checked for damage and airworthi-
ness. A proper before takeoff check must always be carried out.
Every paraglider pilot bears sole responsibility for all risks associat-
ed with the sport of paragliding, including injury and death. Neither the
manufacturer nor the seller of the paraglider can guarantee or be held
responsible for the safety of the pilot.
9

The ADVANCE PI 2 is designed to be as light as possible for its spe-
cific areas of use. This places significant demands on those who use
and look after it. The owner should become very familiar with the prod-
uct, its qualities and requirements. Because of its specialised materials
and construction the PI 2 can suffer wear and damage if it is careless-
ly or ignorantly used.
The PI 2 should never be dragged over the ground. Pointed and sharp
objects such as stones or twigs can damage the lines and fabric.
ADVANCE recommend that you choose your takeoff surface carefully.
Caution: ADVANCE considers it important that you are aware
of and respect the PI 2’s lightweight materials. The PI 2 will pro-
vide long-term enjoyment, but only if you look after it carefully.
Always bear the «Handle with Care» label in mind; the lifetime of
this product depends largely on your care.
Handle with care
10

11

Preparing the wing
Delivery
Every ADVANCE paraglider has to be flown by the dealer before deliv-
ery to check basic settings and trim. The dealer then enters the date
of this first flight on the type placard fixed to a rib in the middle of the
wing. This entry, together with product registration, confirms that de-
fects in the product, attributable to faulty manufacture, are covered
by the extended ADVANCE warranty. See ‘Warranty’ in the “Service”
section.
We ask you to fill in the relevant form under “Warranty” on our website
within 10 days of purchasing your PI 2. See: www.advance.ch/warranty
Delivery of a PI 2 includes a PIPACK, COMPRESSBAG, repair kit, mi-
ni-windsock in the glider colours and a «Getting Started» booklet.
Basic settings
The basic settings of a PI 2 at delivery conform to the original trim that the
ADVANCE test team have found to be best. The glider has been certified
in this condition. Changes or tampering with these settings, for example
altering the line lengths, results in the loss of the wing’s certification. See
also the section “Certification”.
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 trail-
ing edge in unaccelerated flight. This free run makes sure, among oth-
er 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.
Adjusting the speed system
Adjust your PI 2 speed system correctly before your first flight. Make
sure that the speed lines run freely through all the pulleys in your har-
ness. Connect the speed lines to the risers with the Brummel hooks.
Finally check that your final settings allow the full accelerate travel to
be used. To do this hang the harness up, sit in it and get someone to
hold up the risers as if in flight.
Caution: The speed lines are ideally set when you can use the
full range of the speed system. You must confirm that the speed
lines are not adjusted too short – this would cause the wing to
be permanently accelerated in flight.
12

Suitable harnesses
We recommend that you make your first flights with the new para-
glider in quiet conditions at a familiar flying site. A few pull-ups on
easy ground will give you confidence in handling your PI 2 - from the
beginning.
13

14

We recommend that you make your first flights with the new para-
glider in quiet conditions at a familiar flying site. A few pull-ups on
easy ground will give you confidence in handling your PI 2 - from the
beginning.
Connecting the risers
The PI 2 risers have the “Easy Connect System” which coordinates
with ADVANCE harnesses – with the purpose of helping you clip in cor-
rectly. The back of each C-riser has a coloured sewn line running up,
and these correspond to similar markings on the harness support
loops: red for left, blue for right – in the direction of flight. Both riser
markings, correctly coloured and running clearly upwards from the pi-
lot’s viewpoint, is a good indication that the risers are correctly
attached.
For maximum compatibility among ADVANCE products these mark-
ings will, in future, feature on all ADVANCE harness support loops.
Clipping in becomes easier and more reliable in stressful takeoff
preparations, especially for beginners and less-than-frequent flyers.
The “Easy Connect System” also makes life significantly simpler when
pilots face the glider before takeoff. This applies to the reverse pull-up.
Takeoff
Before every takeoff carry out the following 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?
PI 2 takeoff behaviour is very straightforward. The PI 2 comes up even-
ly, whether there’s little or a lot of wind, without hanging back or shoot-
ing in front. Because of its light cloth (and other design features) the PI
2 rises exceptionally easily, so it is very important that you modulate
your pull-up impulse for the wind and takeoff slope.
This means:
§Less impulse needed in wind and/or on a steep slope.
§A sensible and well-judged pull in zero wind and/or on a shallow
slope.
Tip: Before takeoff arrange the canopy into the correct shape.
While sorting the lines pull the wingtips towards you (just
enough) with the brake lines to achieve the ideal leading edge
curve – so that the wingtips do not inflate before the centre.
Flight characteristics
15

High wing loading: A higher wing loading means that lift-off,
minimum and flying speeds will all be noticeably higher; so, af-
ter the pull up and canopy check, you must accelerate (run) to
a higher speed before the wing can lift you off the ground. The
optimal angle of attack for lift-off is minimum sink - about 15%
brake. More brake than this (instead of enough speed) is not
ideal.
Light wind takeoff (Forward)
The PI 2 takes off in a well-behaved manner and only needs a moder-
ate pull up – even in very light wind, so it is not necessary to step back
and ‘run into the lines’. Lead the wing up with positive leaning forward,
but not much pull on the A-risers, until the canopy is happily overhead.
Any directional corrections required while the canopy is rising should
be made by moving under the wing centre – not by using brake. After
corrections and a look up at the wing a few brisk steps (while still lean-
ing forward) will have you in the air – even in light or no wind. The take-
off run can be shortened by careful use of brake (but not too much).
Takeoff in strong wind (Reverse)
The reverse takeoff is traditionally recommended for strong winds, but
is becoming increasingly useful for modern easy-rising paragliders in
moderate conditions. In strong wind control the canopy rising rate by
walking (not running – big steps instead, shoulders back) towards the
PI 2 as necessary, while maintaining body weight against the wing.
Turning round and lifting off is easy with the PI 2.
Caution: PI 2 16 and 19 sizes have shorter lines. The lighter
canopy has less far to travel as it rises, so will reach its overhead
position sooner than sizes 23 and 27.
16

Tip: In strong wind it is possible to arrange the complete PI 2
pull-up without holding the A-risers. Ease both brakes and brief-
ly step/lean back against the lines (and the wind) to give the ini-
tial impulse (as required). This technique leaves you with perma-
nent brake control.
Tip: Playing with the glider on flat ground in wind gives a good
feeling for the wing. You can get to know PI 2 characteristics
well, and safely investigate takeoff, stalling, pitching and col-
lapsing behaviour without your feet leaving the ground. The
ADVANCE test team have a motto: One hour’s ground training is
worth ten flights.
Handle with care: Ground practice puts extra wear on the
wing.
Normal flight
In quiet air the PI 2 glides best with fully released brakes. Light braking
slows the wing to minimum sink speed.
Despite the wing’s high level of stability, an active flying style is recom-
mended in turbulence. Collapses can then be virtually avoided. The
technique implies that the canopy always remains overhead the pi-
lot, in other words roll and pitch disturbances should be opposed and
corrected.
§When the angle of attack increases (e.g. wing goes back when en-
countering a thermal, pilot’s weight swings forward) brakes must be
released briefly but fully, until the canopy returns to its normal over-
head position.
§When wing goes forward (e.g. angle of attack reduces, pilot is left
behind) the wing must be immediately arrested with brief but strong
braking.
High wing loading: rolling activity increases with wing loading.
Tip: If the PI 2 rolls from side to side in turbulence this cycling
can be arrested by brief and symmetrical brake of ca. 20%.
Caution: Always be careful not to get below minimum flying
speed, and do not overcontrol when applying controlling brake.
Turning
The PI 2 has precise steering response. Once the free brake line trav-
el has been taken up the wing reacts directly and progressively to in-
creasing steering demands. Steering can be effectively assisted by
weight shift. Angle of bank can always be increased, steadied or re-
duced by brake line position and load.
Outside brake should be used to steady the outside wingtip and con-
trol the rate of turn.
17

High wing loading: High wing loading means high descent
rates in the turn. Very good flightpath anticipation and knowl-
edge of the terrain are essential near the ground.
High wing loading: The PI 2 dives for speed very quickly dur-
ing dynamic changes of direction. This implies that the wing
picks up speed quickly when it needs it, and this is reflected in
high rates of descent while turning.
Caution: Make sure that your PI 2 has enough speed while turn-
ing in thermals - to keep adequate ability to manoeuvre. Go easy
on the outside brake.
Tip: If a brake line should break or become detached you can
steer your PI 2 by careful use of the C-risers.
Accelerated flight
The PI 2 has a speed system, and the wing is extremely stable in ac-
celerated flight. However, at the lower angles of attack associated with
accelerated flight, paragliders are generally considered to be less sta-
ble at high speeds. The higher forces associated with higher speed
mean that accelerated collapses can be very impulsive. See also sec-
tion “Collapses”.
If you fly into strong turbulence, first completely release the speedbar
before you apply the necessary stabilising brake.
The PI 2’s good canopy stability does allow you to fly through turbu-
lence when accelerated, and to do this you must use active speed-
bar. This means adapting the speedbar position to a changing angle of
attack and pitch attitude, instead of doing this with the brakes. Pitch
changes can be kept to a minimum and best glide performance main-
tained. The following instructions assume a middling speedbar datum
position.
§If the wing goes back (e.g. angle of attack increases) push the
speedbar - briefly but positively (to push the wing towards its cor-
rect position).
§If the wing goes forward (angle of attack decreases) release the
speedbar until the wing is again overhead.
18

Caution: Even though the PI 2 has good canopy stability you
should only apply as much speedbar as you feel happy with.
Don’t overdo it.
Tip: Do not fly with brake and speedbar applied at the same
time, otherwise you will be choosing the worst possible gliding
situation, to no advantage.
Tip: For best glide always choose your airspeed taking into ac-
count current headwind, sinking air and the expected quality of
your next climb.
Collapses
Asymmetric wing collapse (on one side)
The PI 2 has a very stiff and stable canopy. Collapses are rare, espe-
cially at high wing loadings, and if an active flying style is employed col-
lapses can be almost totally avoided in normal flying conditions.
If the paraglider does experience a 50%+ side collapse at trim speed
it will react with a modest tendency to turn, and heading can be main-
tained by light countersteering. The paraglider will normally reopen
quickly, without assistance from the pilot.
It is important that you then completely release the brakes and allow
the glider to regain normal flying speed.
Badly flown wingovers can cause a wingtip to fold in from the side, and
create a cravat. The high drag of a cravat can create a strong and im-
mediate desire to turn, quickly leading to a spiral. Prevent this rotation
from developing by quickly but carefully applied opposing brake. Then
open the cravat by pulling its orange stabilo line. Opening a cravat can
also be done quickly by pumping its brake. To do this apply 75% brake
on the offending side, reaching this value within two seconds, then re-
lease it immediately.
High wing loading: Deliberately simulating collapses is discour-
aged. At high wing loading the PI 2 has a very collapse-resistant
wing, but its reactions to asymmetric wing collapse could turn
out to be dynamic.
Symmetrical collapse (Frontstall)
If the front of the wing folds, normal airflow breaks down, the wing
stops flying and the pilot swings forward – the wing appears to fall be-
hind. The pilot returns under the wing after a short delay. Wait, with-
out applying brake, until the wing is overhead and flying forward again.
After a big front collapse the reopening can be delayed; overreaction
with the brakes should be avoided, especially when controlling a surge
19

or attempting to help the glider resume normal flight in some way.
Such excessive pilot assistance risks a fullstall. Hands up when possi-
ble – let it fly.
High wing loading: Deliberately provoked collapses are dis-
couraged. At high wing loading the PI 2 has a very collapse-re-
sistant wing, but its reactions to extreme flight situations could
turn out to be dynamic, and dealing with them difficult.
Info: If you wish to simulate a frontstall at normal wing loadings
make sure that you pull all the A lines down together. This ad-
vice applies in particular to the Standard Risers, where you must
grasp the separated big ears riser together with the main riser,
on each side.
Fast descents
The ADVANCE test team recommends big ears or the spiral dive as
fast and efficient ways of getting down.
Tip: Practise fast descents occasionally in easy conditions, so
that they do not become emergencies when needed.
Big ears (folding both wingtips)
To apply big ears pull both outer A lines down briskly at the same time.
This is achieved using the outer split A-risers (Standard Risers) or by
directly pulling the red marked outer A lines (Light Risers). This action
folds the wingtips, and you can easily hold them in place. Forward and
vertical speeds can be increased by applying speedbar in this config-
uration. Release the A lines to reopen the ears. Internal wing pressure
will then do this without further assistance.
Caution: Do not fly spirals or dynamic direction changes with
big ears applied. Raised loading carried by few lines can dam-
age the structure.
Caution: Be aware that big ears bring the wing closer to the
stalling angle of attack. Be careful with the brakes during flight
with big ears, and do not do big ears with a wet paraglider.
20