Advance acoustic XI 21 User manual

Edition 1 / 08_2018
Manual

Content
Thank you for flying ADVANCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
About ADVANCE ...........................................5
XI – Allround Tourer..........................................6
Pilot requirements ..........................................7
General advice about paragliding...........................7
Handle with care ...........................................8
Getting started.............................................9
Delivery ..............................................9
Basic settings..........................................9
Speedsystem with SPI ..................................10
Suitable harnesses.....................................13
Weight range .........................................14
Flight characteristics .......................................16
Takeoff ..............................................16
Normal flight..........................................18
Turning flight..........................................18
Accelerated flight ......................................19
Steering by the Pitch-Control-System ......................20
Collapses ............................................21
Rapid descents .......................................22
Stalling ..............................................24
Landing .............................................25
Flying with a wet paraglider (risk of deep stall) ................26
Winching ............................................26
Acrobatics ...........................................27
Tandem flying .........................................27
Packing .................................................30
Maintenance and checks....................................32
Maintenance..........................................32
Check...............................................33
Repairs..............................................34
Disposal .............................................34
Repairs and disposal .......................................34
Techniccal details..........................................36
Materials used ........................................37
Certification ..........................................38
Service..................................................39
ADVANCE Service Center ...............................39
The ADVANCE website .................................39
Registering your product ................................39
Warranty.............................................40
Wing parts ...............................................41
Line plan ................................................42
Instructions Bowline Knot ...................................44
Installation instructions Softlink ...............................45
3

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

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

Leave your own track behind and have your own story to tell: a new
route in a new area, your first bivouac flight, a globe-trotting trip wi-
th your paraglider as baggage, long distance from a walk up or an eve-
ning Hike & Fly from a lonely summit. Your creativity is unlimited – XI.
Light with performance
The XI combines a light weight from 3.4 kg with outstanding perfor-
mance and the passive safety of a high end B wing. Pitch control by C
risers with partial B level influence provides convenient active flying du-
ring accelerated flight.
Full function
The XI is a fully-functioning paraglider. Despite its light 27 and 32
Skytex cloth it is robustly built, and has Sliced Diagonals and Leading
Edge Wires inside, as well as short C-Wires. In fact it has all the state-
of-the-art technologies; like all ADVANCE paraglider models.
Universal
The XI was conceived as an allround talent and is happy wherever you
are happy: Hike and Fly, traveling, long cross countries and bivouac fly-
ing - of course. Extreme versions? Why not? The XI can do it, but it’s
up to you! You set the limits.
XI – Allround Tourer
6

As a XC-Intermediate the XI is only suitable for the practised ther-
mal pilot who has, at least, carried out some cross country flying and
acquired the necessary feeling for a glider in active air. He flies actively,
can recognize and prevent collapses at their onset, and can carry out
the normal fast descent manoeuvres. Only if these requirements are
met will he will be able to make full use of this wing’s performance po-
tential, and fly cross country relaxed and safe.
General advice about paragliding
Flying a paraglider calls for appropriate training and a sound knowl-
edge of the subject, as well as, of course, the necessary insurance
cover and licence. A pilot must be able to correctly assess the weath-
er conditions before taking off. His or her capabilities must be ade-
quate for the paraglider used. The paraglider pilot is also required bear
a sense of responsibility towards the natural world, especially regard-
ing the preservation of wildlife and landscape.
Wearing an adequate helmet, suitable boots and clothing, and the car-
rying of an emergency parachute are essential. Before every flight all
items of equipment should be checked for damage and airworthiness.
A proper pre-takeoff check must also be carried out.
Every pilot bears sole responsibility for their participation in the sport
of paragliding. Neither the manufacturer nor the seller of a paraglider
can guarantee or be held responsible for the pilot’s safety.
Pilot requirements
7

Handle with care
The ADVANCE XI 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 XI can suffer wear and damage if it is carelessly or ig-
norantly used.
The XI 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 XI’s lightweight materials. The XI will provide
long-term enjoyment, but only if you look after it carefully.
8

Getting started
Delivery
Every ADVANCE paraglider has to be flown by the dealer before deliv-
ery to check for correct settings and trim. The dealer finally enters the
date of the first flight on the type placard fastened on a rib at the cen-
tre of the wing. This entry confirms that defects in the product that can
be attributed to manufacturing faults are covered by the ADVANCE
warranty. Register your paraglider under www.advance.ch/warran-
ty, and benefit from the ADVANCE warranty for three years. See under
“Warranty” in the “Service” section.
Delivery of a XI includes a COMPRESSBAG, a repair kit, a mini-wind-
sock and a «Getting Started» booklet.
Basic settings
At delivery the basic set up of the XI will be the original trim situation
that the ADVANCE test team found to be best. Certification was al-
so gained in this condition. Any alterations or changes to the par-
aglider, such as altering the line lengths or fitting different risers or
quicklinks, will result in a loss of the glider’s certification. See section
«Certification».
Adjusting the brake lines
The length of the brake lines has been set at the factory so that, with
hands fully up, the trailing edge remains unbraked in accelerated
flight– ( no crease in the wing ). Basically, this setting should be kept.
If the brake line length does have to be reset there should be 8 -10 cm
(depending on the glider size) of initial free brake line movement be-
tween the brakes fully released position in unaccelerated flight, and
that point where the lines first affect the trailing edge. We recom-
mend a bowline knot for attaching the handles. See illustration in the
appendix.
9

Speedsystem with SPI
Optimal cross country glide between two thermals requires an on-
going choice of glider speed as a function of current headwind compo-
nent, expected next climb quality and the influence of sinking air. The
XI speed (accelerate) system has a Speed Performance Indicator (SPI)
which helps the pilot make this choice of ideal speed-to-fly. Three posi-
tions are indicated on the back of the rear risers: neutral/0 %, 50 %
and 100 %. Depending on the relevant parameters the chosen SPI po-
sition can be accurately set. A red marker on the front riser serves
as an accelerate indication.
Info: Thanks to its high stability the XI can be flown in accelera-
ted condition in light turbulence without problem. The choice of
accelerated speed for best glide does play an impor-
tant role for this high performance glider.
Each of the XI SPI positions has an icon with a value for headwind, ex-
pected climb and sink rate. These indicated positions are effective for
only one of their three values, taken in isolation – considered by itself.
This means that either the headwind, or the expected rate of climb, or
the sink rate applies to that position. The SPI principle is based on the
simple (using headwind and sink) and the extended (including expec-
ted climb rate) McCready Speed-To-Fly theory.
SPI at 0 %/ indicates neutral position (no accelerate).
10

Caution: Even though the XI has a high degree of stability in ac-
celerated flight you should only use as much speedbar as you
feel comfortable with.
Setting up the speed system
The XI speed system can, with the help of the SPI, be adjusted so that
the whole speed system travel can be used. The system is correctly
set when pushing the first speed step gives you the 50 % position, and
pushing the second achieves 100 % accelerate.
Setting the 2-gear speed system
If your initial adjustment of the harness speed lines (to suit your own
leg length) does not result in the 40 % (first step), 80 % (second step)
settings described above, the geometry of the 2 gear accelerate sys-
tem on the risers can be fine adjusted.
11

Fig 1
3:1, low gear
AFig 2
2:1, high gear
By moving the knots and therefore the position of the locking balls
, the travel and loading of the accelerate system can be altered.
The total travel of the system can be changed, and with it the positi-
on at which the 3:1 + (low gear, fig 1) ratio changes to 2:1
(high gear fig.2).
If the knots are moved down, the change from 3:1 (fig1) to 2:1 (fig 2) ra-
tios happens sooner – here the speedbar loading is raised, but the to-
tal speed system travel thereafter is shortened. If the knots are moved
upwards the gear change to 2:1 occurs later, and total travel is leng-
thened (longer legs).
The XI speed system is arranged so that the profile shape of the wing
is fully retained over the angle-of-attack range of the speed system.
This maintains the beneficial qualities of the profile at high speeds.
Caution: The speed system is correctly adjusted when you can
use the full travel available on the risers. Make certain that the
speed lines are not set too short, thus causing the wing to be
pre-accelerated all the time!
12

Suitable harnesses
Basically the XI can be flown with any harness that does not have rigid
cross bracing (see section “Certification“).
The chosen harness should ideally have a carabiner distance of ca.
45cm and a support height of between 40 and 48 cm.
As a single seat paraglider the XI comes under § 1 IV Nr. 1 AirVZO i.
d. F. of 25.07.2013 in the “Light Air Sport Device with an empty weight
of less than 120 kg” category. As proof of satisfying the necessary air-
worthiness requirements for this class according to § 11 AirGerPV the
XI was tested by the accredited «Air Turquoise» test organisation and
certified EN/LTF-B in all sizes.
For the tests the following settings were used for the harnesses:
§All-up in-flight weight less than 80 kg: carabiner distance 40 ± 2
cm, height 40 ± 1 cm
§All-up in-flight weight 80 to 100 kg: carabiner distance 44 ± 2
cm, height 42 ± 1 cm
§All-up in-flight weight more than 100 kg: carabiner distance 48
± 2 cm, height 44 ± 1 cm
Info: Experience has proved the theory – a streamlined harness
can significantly improve gliding performance.
The XI was specially trimmed for use with a streamlined harness. For
this reason we recommend a harness with speedbag in order to get
the best out of the XI’s great performance. The ADVANCE IMPRESS or
LIGHTNESS harness is particularly suitable since the XI was designed
and tested with them in mind.
13

Weight range
The XI comes out in five sizes. The weight ranges for the different wing
sizes are listed in the “Technical Data“ section. The figures given the-
re refer to total take-off weight. This includes the pilot’s body weight in-
cluding clothing, as well as the weight of all the equipment (paraglider,
harness, instruments, etc. – everything that’s going to fly).
Seamless Weight Ranges
The XI was planned for Seamless (continuous) weight ranges, with no
overlapping. These arrange that any particular flying weight features in
only one glider size. These XI Ideal takeoff Weight Ranges provide the
best comprise between speed and climbing performance for all normal
conditions, for each glider size.
For special requirements the choice of size still remains in the over-
lapping sections of the wider Certified Weight Ranges, as for previous
models.
Flying outside the Seamless Weight Ranges, in other words near the
lower or upper certified weight limits, can alter a paraglider’s flying be-
haviour and handling, but without affecting your safety. Glide perfor-
mance remains the same over a complete weight range, but climb per-
formance is altered.
If the XI is flown outside its Seamless Weight Range, in the upper part
of its Certified Weight Range, the higher wing loading will raise its trim
speed and produce more dynamic and agile flying characteristics.
60 kg 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 kg
21
23
25
27
29
Certified takeoff weight
Ideal weight range
60 kg
70 8875 85
65 75 77
80 10085 97
92 97 110 114
105 kg 110 125 128
14

15

We recommend that you make your first flights with your new glider
in quiet conditions, in a familiar flying area. A few pull-ups at an easy
site will give you confidence in the XI’s handling qualities, from the very
beginning.
Takeoff
Connecting the Risers
The XI has an “Easy Connect System” on the risers, to simplify con-
necting the risers. Each riser has coloured sewing running up the back
of the C-riser, red for left and blue for right, in the direction of flight.
The coloured sewing facing the pilot, and the riser running cleanly up-
ward to the lines confirm that the riser has not been connected with an
180 degree twist. For additional assistance all ADVANCE harnesses
will, in future, have the same marking on their suspension loops (red to
red, blue to blue).
The “Easy Connect System“ also enables you to clip in while facing the
wing, This can be helpful for a reverse takeoff in windy weather.
Takeoff preparation
Before every takeoff carry out the following pre-takeoff:
1. Reserve checked: pins and cables correct, reserve handle stowed?
2. Harness and helmet secured?
3. Lines free?
4. Canopy open?
5. Wind direction and strength assessed?
6. Airspace and field-of-view clear?
The XI takeoff behaviour is very smooth and easy for both forward and
reverse takeoffs. The canopy inflates quickly and rises progressively,
without hanging back or shooting in front.
It is very important that the takeoff pull up impulse takes into account
the wind, takeoff surface and slope because the XI rises exceptionally
easily due to its light fabric, as a main factor. This means:
§In a lot of wind and/or on a steep slope the XI needs little or almost
no pull-up impulse.
§In calm conditions and/or flat land a relaxed pull-up makes sense.
The XI has split A risers. We recommend that you use all the A risers
for takeoff. The XI inflates reliably from the middle out, and rises very
straight with little exertion.
Flight characteristics
16

Tip: Before takeoff get your canopy into the right shape. Do this
while sorting the lines, by pulling the brake lines in until you have
the perfect curved shape.
Info: You can also use the inner A lines for an XI takeoff, but
handling is easier using all the A risers
Takeoff in light wind (forward takeoff)
The XI only needs a moderate pull-up impulse even in a light wind. It
is not necessary to step back and ‘run’ into the lines. Guide the glider
up with pronounced leaning forward, but without too much of a pull on
the A-risers, until the canopy is overhead. During the pull-up phase any
correcting should only be done by decisive going-under-the-wing, wit-
hout using the brakes. After any necessary correcting and a satisfacto-
ry visual check a few determined steps with good leaning forward will
achieve lift off, even in little wind.
Takeoff in stronger wind (reverse takeoff)
The reverse takeoff is mainly recommended for stronger winds. During
the pull-up you should walk towards the XI as necessary. Turning round
and taking off with the XI will then prove to be easy.
Tip: Playing with the glider on flat ground in some wind gi-
ves a good feeling for the wing. You can get to know the XI’s
characteristics very well, and try out takeoffs, stalling, shooting
forward tendency and collapses – while remaining safely on the
ground. The ADVANCE test team have a motto: one hour ground
training is worth 10 high flights. N.B: Ground handling practice
can increase wear on your glider.
Info: The XI is very easy to take off. Just as for the forward ta-
keoff you should also suit your pull-up impulse to the wind and
slope when making a reverse pull-up (as described in section
“Ta ke of f ” ).
17

Normal flight
In calm air the XI best glide is achieved with fully released brakes. Light
braking brings the glider to its minimum sink condition. When flying in-
to a headwind, through descending air, or when proceeding to the
next thermal, glide performance will be distinctly improved by approp-
riate use of the speed system. The SPI helps you do this. See section
“Speed-Performance-Indicator (SPI)”.
Despite the wing’s high stability an active flying style is recommended
– collapses can be almost completely avoided. This means keeping the
lightly-braked glider directly above you, in other words, countering roll
and pitch disturbances.
§When the angle of attack increases (flying into a thermal; wing
swings back) the brake lines should be temporarily released fully, un-
til the glider returns to its overhead position.
§When the angle of attack reduces (glider dives forwards, pilot swings
back) the wing should briefly be braked more..
It is often more efficient to disregard minor pitching rather than correct
it by overcontrolling with the brakes.
Turning flight
The XI has short and precise brake travel when steering. It responds
very directly and progressively to increasing steering inputs, as soon as
brake line free travel has been taken up When starting a turn be care-
ful how you apply the steering brake – just the right amount; not too
much. Active weight shift effectively assists steering. Angle of bank can
always be increased, stabilised or reduced by brake line load.
The XI makes a very agreeable companion in thermals. You do not
have to correct for large pitching movements, and this improves your
climbing behaviour – and therefore your performance – significantly.
When thermalling, choose the desired angle of bank and correspond-
ing radius, and try to let the glider turn steadily at this attitude. Outside
brake should be used to steady the wing tip and, in particular, control
the rate of turn. Anything stronger will slow the wingtip down and lose
the glider’s good steering qualities.
A harness specifically designed to match the flying characteristics
of the XI helps you to initialise and stabilise turns of this type, which
should be as even as possible. See also section «Suitable harnesses».
18

Caution: to keep good manoeuvrability make sure to fly your
XI with enough airspeed while turning in thermals – not too much
outside brake.
Tip: if a brake line breaks you can steer the XI using the C risers.
Accelerated flight
The XI has a weight–optimised line and wing design as well as very ba-
lanced pitch behaviour in bumpy air. All this retains a very good gli-
de performance with only modestly increased sink rate in accelerated
flight. 3 line levels, and the profile chosen for the XI enables the wing to
be efficiently accelerated with little expenditure of pilot energy.
The XI wing remains extremely stable even in accelerated flight.
However, paragliders operate at a lower angle of attack while flying at
their higher speeds, and the degree of stability is generally reduced.
The higher aerodynamic forces involved at higher airspeeds mean that
a collapse can be more dynamic (see also section «Collapses»).
When encountering severe turbulence while flying accelerated release
the speedbar fully before applying the necessary stabilising brake. The
XI’s high degree of structural stability allows it to be flown in normal-
ly turbulent air while accelerated. Active speedbar should be employed
for adjusting angle of attack under these conditions, instead of brake.
Pitch attitude disturbances can be minimised in this way, and optimal
glide performance can be maintained. See also section «Speed sys-
tem with SPI».
§when the angle of attack increases (e.g. wing pitches back when en-
tering lift ), the speed bar is briefly pressed harder
§when the angle of attack decreases (e.g. wing pitches forward ), the
speed bar is released
Caution: even though the XI is very stable in accelerated flight
you should only use as much speedbar as you feel happy with.
Tip: make sure that brake is not applied at the same time as
speed bar, otherwise you will find yourself in the worst possible
gliding situation, without gaining any advantage.
Tip: Always choose a suitable speed for best glide taking into
account the actual headwind, sink rate (descending air) and ex-
pected next climb.
19

Steering by the Pitch-Control-System
The XI has a Pitch-Control-System. A Pitch-Control-Line from the
C-Riser also affects the B-Level. When accelerated the XI can be ac-
tively flown and steered by the C/B levels instead of by speed system
and weight shift. Steering with the Pitch-Control-System has the ad-
vantage that handling is more direct.
When accelerated, take hold of the C-risers over the brake popper with
the sides of the hands resting on the line that goes from the C-risers to
the Bs. Make sure you have released your wraps.
Caution: The brake lines must not be tensioned in fully accele-
rated flight
By careful pulling of the C-Risers towards the shoulders, and careful
releasing as well, pitch movements in light turbulence can be opposed.
In addition you can compensate for low canopy pressure by this me-
ans, e.g. when a collapse threatens.
Info: Because of the C-Riser connection to the Bs the pull requi-
red is very high during accelerated flight. This load reduces con-
siderably when a collapse approaches. This is a sign that the ri-
ser must be pulled!
Info: For effective and intuitive C-Riser control a lot of practice is
required. Approach it slowly.
Caution: Pull the C-Risers carefully – not too much. Too much
too fast risks stalling!
Caution: Control by C-Risers is only recommended for gliding in
calm or lightly turbulent air.
20