Advance acoustic STRAPLESS BI 3 User manual

STRAPLESS BI 3
Product Manual
Version 01.03.2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Thank you for flying ADVANCE 1
2. Safety information 1
2.1. General safety advice 1
2.2. Range of use and load limits 1
3. Handle with Care 2
4. Features 2
4.1. Features 2
5. Preparing the product 3
5.1. Delivery 3
5.2. Installing a reserve 4
5.3. Adjusting the harness 15
6. Preparation for flight 16
6.1. Takeoff preparation and checks 16
7. Use in Practice 16
7.1. Paraglider models of other brands 16
7.2. Winching 16
7.3. Acro 17
7.4. Tandem flying 17
8. Maintenance 17
8.1. Maintenance harness 17
8.2. Check harness 18
8.3. Carabiner service life 18
8.4. Overstress 18
8.5. Repairs harness 19
8.6. Removing & replacing components 19
8.7. Disposal 19
9. Service & Warranty 20
9.1. ADVANCE Service Center 20
9.2. Support (Website) 20
9.3. Online Account 20
9.4. Warranty 20
10. Technical data 20
10.1. Data 21
10.2. Materials 21

1. THANK YOU FOR FLYING ADVANCE
Thank you for choosing an ADVANCE quality product with Swiss engineering.
User manual
This user manual is an important part of your product. You will find instructions for Putting into service and use in
practice as well as important information on safety, care and maintenance. We encourage you to read this
document carefully before your first flight. Video instructions can be accessed via QR codes if available. All
information can also be found on our website www.advance.swiss.
Product Registration
Register your new ADVANCE product online in your MyADVANCE account at www.advance.swiss/garantie no later
than 10 days after purchase for a warranty extension or to be informed promptly by e-mail about updates and
safety-relevant findings regarding your product. All this information can also be found on our website
www.advance.swiss.
Our story: Pioneering spirit and Swiss precision
Putting our ideas into the air. That’s what we can do. For more than 30 years, ADVANCE have kept the needs and
wishes of our pilots at the forefront. With Swiss precision we refine model after model. Highest quality and
absolute reliability have our top priority, in the air and in our customer service. So from pioneers we have become
perfectionists, and a leading worldwide comprehensive service provider.
Questions and support
You can always contact your ADVANCE dealer or our support team, we will be happy to help you. Send an email to
[email protected]
We wish you many exciting and enjoyable hours in the air with your new product!
Greetings from Thun your ADVANCE Team
2. SAFETY INFORMATION
2.1. General safety advice
Flying a paraglider calls for appropriate training and a sound knowledge 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.
Warning
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 airworthiness. A proper pre-takeoff check must also be carried
out.
Warning
Every pilot bears sole responsibility for all risks, including injury or death, when
participating 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.
2.2. Range of use and load limits 1 / 21

Like all commercially available reserve parachutes, paraglider harnesses are never suitable for free fall parachuting
because their design and construction details do not allow such a thing. Neither the reserve parachute nor its
attachments to the harness can withstand the loadings involved in an abrupt opening.
All harness adjustments must be made before the harness is flown. Correct adjustment of the STRAPLESS BI 3
greatly contributes to safety, correct function and comfort in flight.
Warning The STRAPLESS BI 3 certification up to 110 kg (load test only) is restricted exclusively to
paraglider sport.
3. HANDLE WITH CARE
The STRAPLESS BI 3 is an ultralight harness. The life of this product is highly dependent on your care. Mechanical
stresses such as dragging on the ground etc. accelerate the ageing process and should be avoided. A lightweight
product is much more sensitive to stress of all kinds.
SIV Overloads
Do not use this lightweight product for SIV training. Excessive loading can cause non-safety-related damage to the
product, which is not covered by the ADVANCE guarantee.
Warning
We strongly advise against making a rescue deployment with the STRAPLESS BI 3 during
safety induction training (SIV). After a rescue release, non-safety related damage to the
harness may occur which is not covered by the ADVANCE warranty.
Warning The harness must be inspected by a qualified person after each rescue descent!
4. FEATURES
The STRAPLESS BI 3 is a basic ultralight Hike & Fly tandem harness with reserve compartment, without protector.
4.1. Features
1. Adjustable shoulder straps
2. Chest strap closure system
3. Channel for reserve V-lines
4. Reserve compartment
2 / 21

5. PREPARING THE PRODUCT
5.1. Delivery
Every ADVANCE harness must be checked by the authorized dealer before delivery to ensure that the scope of
delivery is complete and that the basic settings are correct.
Register your new ADVANCE product in your MyADVANCE account no later than 10 days after purchase to benefit
from the extended ADVANCE warranty. More information under Warranty.
5.1.1. Delivery includes
Harness
Two Maillon Rapide
Four O-rings
Reserve handle with inner container
Storage bag
Getting Started Booklet
3 / 21

Options:
SQR Light 190
STRAPLESS 3passenger harness
Tandem spreaders Light
5.2. Installing a reserve
General
The reserve compartment is located under the right legpad.
4 / 21

Important advice about the reserve system
Every reserve/harness combination has its own characteristics. It is essential that pilot and packer have confidence
in the system, and are therefore thoroughly familiar with its operation – especially when a new combination is
installed (new reserve in existing harness or vice versa), so that reliable functioning is assured.
Warning Installing a reserve must only be done by a qualified person. Your safety depends on it!
Compatibility of the reserve/harness system
Only Tandem reserves are suitable! Certified volumes of reserves for the STRAPLESS BI 3reserve compartment: 5 -
9 liters.
Info
For a broad approximation for reserve volume in liters a factor of x 2.7 can be applied to
the reserve weight in kgs. Depending on method and packing skill a reserve with a volume
arrived at by this formula, which is within the certified limits for a harness, still may not
release without problems.
Warning If a reserve volume lies within the top third of the certified volume, special care must be
taken that the reserve is folded to match the length of the inner container‘s longest side.
Warning
In every case a test release/compatibility test carried out by the pilot in realistic
conditions is the only way to prove that the particular reserve will reliably release from
the STRAPLESS BI 3.
Warning A newly-folded reserve can occupy up to 30% greater volume. ADVANCE strongly
recommend a compatibility test.
Steerable reserves
The STRAPLESS BI 3 is not suitable for steerable reserves.
Info It is not possible to install quick-out carabiners.
5.2.1. Packing the reserve in the inner container
General
The release handle used with the five-flap inner container is part of the harness and complies with the latest
certification requirements according to NfL.
Warning Only use the original reserve handle and its attached inner container.
Packing the reserve parachute in the inner container
5 / 21

Always pack your reserve parachute to fit the shape and size of the supplied STRAPLESS BI 3 inner container. Place
the rescue lines like shown in the picture. When all lines are stowed, there should be about 90 cm of line length left
to the bridle.
Warning If your reserve parachute does not fit in the inner container without excessive squeezing,
this indicates that it is too big for the WEIGHTLESS.
Close inner container
Close the five-flap inner container in the order of the numbers on each flap 1-3. Secure the last flap 3 with a line
loop that should be about 5 to 6 cm long (about 3 fingers wide). Now check the pull of the elastic and shorten or
lengthen it as needed.
Info The line loop should release under the weight of the reserve parachute itself.
6 / 21

Close the last flap of the container with two line loops of equal length (5 to 6 cm). These final loops are held by two
elastics that pass through the eyelets of the outer flap of the container. The two elastics are pre-assembled at the
factory.
5.2.2. Connecting the reserve to the harness
By looping
Based on extensive testing, ADVANCE harnesses and reserve bridles can also be looped with Companion reserves,
provided basic precautions such as center looping and maximum tightening of the straps are observed. We cannot
make any binding statement about the strength of ADVANCE harnesses in combination with other reserve systems.
1. Example picture "Looping" 7 / 21

2. Detailed view STRAPLESS BI 3
4. Neoprene cover
8 / 21

With a Maillon Rapide
Connect the sewn bridles of the Spreaders Light and the bridle of your rescue parachute with a Maillon Rapide of
at least 2,400 daN strength. Secure the straps in the Maillon with a rubber ring or neoprene tape, to prevent
slipping and thus transverse loading of the Maillon in the event of a reserve deployment.
1. Example of using a Maillon Rapide
2. Neoprene cover
9 / 21

Warning Do not use tape instead of the rubber ring to fix the Maillon Rapide!
Info When looping a COMPANION reserve with the STRAPLESS BI 3, the V-line Neoprene Cover
must be pulled over the connection.
Warning Never attach the inner container to the reserve parachute!
5.2.3. Attaching the spreaders & Connecting the V-lines
Permanently connected spreaders
The spreaders are permanently attached to the STRAPLESS BI 3 with the supplied Maillon Rapide (1).
Warning The Maillon Rapide must be tightened with a wrench. Tightening by hand is not sufficient!
Info We recommend the ADVANCE Tandem Spreaders Light
Reserve connection lines
Connect the V-lines (2) to the reserve (as shown before), and put them in the Velcro channels (3). Prevent them
from sliding round the Maillon Rapide using the O-rings provided.
Warning Make sure that the connection lines run behind the main maillons (facing pilot)! If this is
not the case the reserve may not deploy correctly.
Info If the reserve is thrown the O rings snap when the reserve lines are tensioned.
Overview:
10 / 21

Velcro channels:
Secure the reserve connection lines in their channels on the backs of the spreaders. The left hand line goes through
the channel on the chest strap to the right hand side where it joins the right hand connection line. In addition fix
each connection lines to its adjacent main support Maillon with an O ring (provided).
11 / 21

Overview 2:
5.2.4. Putting the inner container in the reserve compartment
12 / 21

When installing the reserve, always place the bridle in the reserve compartment first and then the inner container.
The connection to the reserve handle must be without twists.
Warning If a reserve parachute does not fit in the inner container after repacking, it must be
refolded to the shape of the inner container.
Warning Put the bridle in first, then the reserve.
Warning Never attach the inner container to the reserve parachute!
5.2.5. Closing the reserve compartment
The outer container flaps are closed by white closure loops and yellow cables. The design of the outer container
creates the necessary tension and pressure on the closure loops and cables.
Attach rescue handle
Thread a packing line through the white closure loops on each side and then trough the eyelets. Lower flap first.
Secure the loops with the rescue handle yellow cable. Finish by stowing both ends of the yellow cable in their
button holes. Carefully remove the packing line to avoid possible damage due to friction.
13 / 21

Warning After installing the reserve, it is mandatory to remove all auxiliary equipment and the
packing device! Danger of release blockage!
Warning To ensure correct operation, always make sure that the yellow cables are routed correctly.
5.2.6. Compatibility Test
14 / 21

The correct installation of the reserve must essentially be tested by a trial release. Put the harness on, close it
completely and then clip yourself with the STRAPLESS BI 3by the two main carabiners into a harness hanger. Then
pull out the reserve as if in flight.
Info A successful compatibility test carried out by a pilot can greatly increase confidence in the
reserve system.
Operation of the reserve handle must take place in a normal flying position, and work without hindrance, in
accordance with the requirements of this manual. You therefore must be sitting in the harness. If you are not sure
of this procedure you should contact a qualified person or your ADVANCE dealer.
Here are some factors that could make a reserve deployment difficult or impossible:
Reserve too big for the compartment or inner container.
Reserve not packed to the dimensions of the inner container.
Reserve not pulled out with the correct technique. A pull then throw to the side is correct.
The volume of the reserve worked originally in the new harness, but after a repack it has become too big.
Pilot dimensions and arm length may have a significant effect on reserve-throwing success. Small pilots
with short arms can have difficulties.
Conditions such as high G-loading (3G +, as in spiral dive).
Warning A combination of these factors could make a reserve deployment impossible.
Info Occasionally reach to the reserve handle after launch to memorize the position.
5.3. Adjusting the harness
5.3.1. Adjusting & Putting On
Adjusting the shoulder straps
Move the black balls at the lower ends of the lines in the desired direction (1).
Putting the harness on
Make sure that the harness is correctly hooked into the two Maillon Rapide. Step into the closed harness from
above. Pull the shoulder straps (2) over and fasten the small chest strap with the ball (3).
15 / 21

Warning Take care not to damage the harness with your shoes (e.g. with crampons).
Warning Always check that the Maillon Rapide and the harness loops are not twisted.
6. PREPARATION FOR FLIGHT
6.1. Takeoff preparation and checks
Before every takeoff carry out the following pre-takeoff checks:
1. Harness and helmet buckled, reserve OK?
2. Lines free?
3. Canopy open?
4. Wind direction and strength assessed?
5. Airspace and field-of-view clear?
Hint To get the wing in the right shape for takeoff do the following: pull the brake lines in
while you are sorting the lines until the canopy arrives at the perfect banana shape.
Warning Before each flight, check that the reserve handle is in the intended position and that the
yellow locking cables of the reserve handle are correctly stowed.
7. USE IN PRACTICE
7.1. Paraglider models of other brands
The harness can be flown with any paraglider. There are no restrictions.
7.2. Winching
16 / 21

The STRAPLESS BI 3 is not suitable for winch towing.
7.3. Acro
The STRAPLESS BI 3 is not suitable for acro flying and SIV.
7.4. Tandem flying
Due to its dimension/function the STRAPLESS BI 3 is basically not suitable for solo flying.
8. MAINTENANCE
8.1. Maintenance harness
General care
ADVANCE recommends that you visually inspect the harness regularly for signs of wear. This includes checking the
general condition, the condition of the seams and straps and the functioning of the buckles. In addition, the rescue
parachute must be regularly aired and repacked. Any defects (damaged seams, webbing, etc.) must be repaired
immediately by the manufacturer or an authorized service center.
Warning Do not make any modifications to your harness and never fly with a harness whose straps
are damaged in any way.
Warning If the harness was used as part of a rescue emergency opening, the harness must then be
inspected by the manufacturer or an authorized service center.
Ultraviolet radiation, temperatures below -20°C and above +60°C, humidity, salt water, aggressive cleaning agents,
improper storage as well as mechanical stress (e.g. grinding on the ground) accelerate the aging process.
The life span of your harness can be extended considerably if you pay attention to the following points:
Allow wet or damp harness to dry completely at room temperature or outside in the shade. Repack the
reserve regularly.
Thoroughly rinse a harness that has been in contact with salt water with fresh water. Always repack the
reserve.
Clean the harness only with fresh water and neutral soap if necessary, never with solvents.
Check the main connection bridle between the harness and the reserve after every reserve deployment.
Have the harness checked by a qualified person after any very high loading (e.g. serious impact).
Inspect the harness regularly for defective seams and straps, especially the reserve connection and the
seams of the main carabiners.
Do not subject the harness to extremes of temperature and make sure it gets adequate ventilation, to
prevent condensation forming.
Do not expose the harness unnecessarily to the sun (UV radiation) before and after the flight.
Packing the reserve parachute
Most reserve parachute manufacturers recommend maintenance or repacking of the reserve parachute every 6
months to ensure reliable and quick opening at all times. If the reserve gets wet, damp or overheated, it must be
definitely repacked. We strongly recommend that you let a qualified person pack your reserve. ADVANCE also
strongly recommends that you regularly check the yellow locking cables in the locking loops of your harness. It is 17 / 21

sufficient to move the cables slightly.
8.2. Check harness
Inspect your harness regularly for damage and have it thoroughly visually inspected by a professional every 24
months. The inspection includes a visual assessment of the fabric, straps and connections, major stitching and main
carabiners. All parts are inspected for tears, kinks, pre-damaged seams, damage and severe wear. Detected damage
requires the harness to be professionally repaired before the next flight.
You can find more information about the check in the "Service" chapter of this manual or at www.advance.swiss.
8.3. Carabiner service life
Check regularly
Check the Maillon Rapide regularly visually. If they show visible flaws (dents, rust, deformation), have been
incorrectly loaded or cannot be screwed shut by hand, they must be replaced immediately.
Warning Make sure that the Maillon Rapide and the carabiners are always correctly closed and
secured and that they are only loaded in their lengthwise direction.
Warning Please read the manufacturer's manual regarding the service life cycle of carabiners used
to link spreaders to the paraglider and spreaders to the passenger harness.
8.4. Overstress
18 / 21