Advance acoustic Impress 4 User manual

Edition 5/2020Manual

Contents
Thank you for flying ADVANCE.................................3
IMPRESS 4 – Accessible Throne ................................4
Safety advice ...............................................5
Features ...................................................6
Protectors & Protection Elements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Cockpit & Instrument Panel ..................................8
Pockets & Compartments ...................................9
Preparing the product.......................................10
Delivery ................................................10
With and without seatboard.................................11
Installing a reserve........................................12
Compatibility Test ........................................22
Fitting an Anti-G chute.....................................23
Adjusting the harness.......................................24
General information .......................................24
Preparation and basic settings...............................25
Adjustment steps.........................................26
Setting up the speed system ................................28
Preparation for flight........................................29
Fitting the Windshield .....................................29
Closing the harness.......................................29
Clipping in the paraglider...................................30
Pre-flight check ..........................................30
Setting up the drink system .................................31
Relief tube routing ........................................31
Use in Practice.............................................32
Suitability and range of use .................................32
Flying with or without seatboard .............................32
Using the Windshield ......................................32
Speedbag Handling.......................................32
Speed system handling ....................................33
Flying with Ballast ........................................33
Throwing an Anti-G chute ..................................33
Packing ................................................34
Emergencies ............................................35
Removing & replacing components............................37
General ................................................37
SAS-TEC back protection ..................................37
Comfort foam ...........................................37
SAS-TEC lumbar protection .................................37
Main protector ...........................................37
SAS-TEC side protection ...................................37
Seatboard ..............................................38
Air tube ................................................38
Footboard ..............................................39
Speed system ...........................................39
Speedbag ..............................................40
Care, checks and repairs ....................................42
General care ............................................42
Checks ................................................42
Repair .................................................42
Disposal ...............................................42
Service & Warranty .........................................43
ADVANCE Service Centres .................................43
Product registration .......................................43
Warranty ...............................................43
Technical Information .......................................44
IMPRESS4 .............................................44
Materials used ..........................................45
Certification .............................................46
Contents2 | ADVANCE IMPRESS 4

Thank you for flying ADVANCE
Our sincere thanks for choosing an ADVANCE quality
product with Swiss engineering.
Operating Manual
This manual is an important part of this flying equipment. It
provides guidance for first preparing the harness for flight
and use in practice, as well as important information about
safety, care and maintenance. We encourage you to read
through the manual carefully before your first flight with
the harness. You can call up the video guide using the QR
codes on the product or in this document.
Registering the product
Register your IMPRESS 4 in your MyADVANCE Account
under www.advance.ch/warranty, to see recent updates
and get safety-relevant findings about your product by
email.
About ADVANCE
For more than 30 years the needs and feelings of parag-
lider pilots have been at the centre of our priorities. We
are pilots ourselves, and are thus motivated to respond to
the trust and confidence of others – with new ideas, lea-
ding products, perfect service and a unique product ap-
pearance.
Have fun
We wish you many rewarding experiences with your
IMPRESS 4, and many wonderful hours in the air!
Team ADVANCE
Thank you for flying ADVANCE
Thank you for flying ADVANCE3 | ADVANCE IMPRESS 4

IMPRESS 4 – Accessible Throne
Fits in every
paraglider rucksack
The exceptionally compact
IMPRESS 4 will fit in any normal
rucksack. This is something new
for a fully capable cross-country
harness with a comprehensive low-
drag spoiler. A fold line in the back
of the harness makes it easy to fold
and easy to pack in any paraglider
rucksack.
With or without a
seatboard
The IMPRESS 4 has another
unique feature: it can be flown with
or without seatboard, with no re-
striction or change of settings. With
the seatboard the harness conveys
a harder sports suspension feeling,
with maximal directional stability
and canopy feedback. Without the
seatboard you enjoy a comfortably
damped Cruiser Feeling, snugly
enclosed in the body-conforming
seat shell.
Best possible
aerodynamics
We paid a lot of attention to
attaining perfect aerodynamics for
this high-end harness. The ideal
shape resulted from countless
CFD analyses in the virtual wind
tunnel. Our in-house developed
air intake tube of minimal diameter
with NRV ensures a solidly inflated
spoiler. The result is a wrinkle-free,
streamlined silhouette for maximum
performance.
IMPRESS 4 – Accessible Throne
The IMPRESS 4 is the first fully equipped cross country harness with an aerodynamical-
ly optimised tail spoiler, that will fit in every normal paraglider rucksack. A high-end prod-
uct, more comfortable and refined than ever before – intended for the leisure cross-coun-
try flyer up to the cross-country champion or competition pilot.
IMPRESS 4 – Accessible Throne4 | ADVANCE IMPRESS 4

Safety advice
General recommendations for paragliding
Participation in the sport of paragliding requires specific
training and basic knowledge of the equipment as well as
the necessary insurance and licensing. A pilot must be ab-
le to correctly assess the weather conditions. In addition,
his/her flying abilities must correspond to the demands of
the equipment to be used. The pilot is also responsible for
appropriate care of the environment, including the natural
world and its landscape.
Wearing of an adequate helmet, suitable footwear and clo-
thing and the carriage of a reserve parachute are all es-
sential. Before every flight all parts of the flying equipment
must be checked for damage and its airworthiness con-
firmed. In addition, a pre-flight check must be carried out
before every flight.
Every pilot bears sole responsibility for all risks associated
with participation in the sport of paragliding, including in-
jury and death. Neither the manufacturer nor the seller of
paragliding equipment can guarantee the safety of a pilot,
nor be held responsible for it.
Recommendations about harnesses
The design features of paragliding harnesses, and all com-
mercially available paragliding reserve parachutes, make
them completely unsuitable for free-fall use. The reserve
parachute and its connections will not withstand the loads
of a high speed opening.
All harness settings and adjustments should be carried
out before flight. Correct adjustment of the IMPRESS 4
has a major effect on safety, correct functioning and ge-
neral comfort in flight.
No protector can provide total protection from injury. The
EN/LTF-certified foam protector only serves to dampen
impacts and therefore minimise injuries that could result
from a crash from a low altitude caused by unfortunate ta-
keoffs and landings. The SAS-TEC back and side protec-
tion absorbs impacts.
Certification of the IMPRESS 4 applies exclusively to pa-
ragliding.
Safety advice5 | ADVANCE IMPRESS 4

Features
Features
1 Carabiner with lug for high speedbag suspension
2 Drink tube guide (both sides)
3 Drink tube exit (central)
4 Internal pocket for drink system
5 Reserve V-connection channel with zip
6 Easy-release reserve system for 2 reserves
7 Anti-G pocket
8 Mesh back surface
9 Air-filled tail spoiler
10 Air intake for tail spoiler
11 Relief tube exit (left)
12 Ballast compartment
Features6 | ADVANCE IMPRESS 4

Protectors & Protection Elements
The IMPRESS 4 has a certified foam protector under the
seat and comfort foam for the back. In addition the whole
body within the seat shell is surrounded by SAS-TEC com-
ponents. Pilot warmth enables these viscoelastic soft foam
elements to mould themselves to body shape for even mo-
re comfort and effective impact protection.
1 Main protector
2 Comfort foam
3 SAS-TEC back protection
4 SAS-TEC lumbar support
5 SAS-TEC side protection
6 Carbon seatboard
Features7 | ADVANCE IMPRESS 4

Cockpit & Instrument Panel
1 Instrument panel with Velcro
2 Securing loops for instruments
3 Cable exits with covers
4 Pocket with integral Hook Knife
5 Peripheral zip for speedbag attachment
6 Neoprene instrument cover
7 Clip for fastening to front strap
8 Carrying handle
9 Battery pocket on the back
10 Windshield
Fitted Hook Knife
Detached Ready to go
Features8 | ADVANCE IMPRESS 4

Pockets & Compartments
1 Cockpit pocket (ca. 5 ltrs)
2 Three internal side pockets accessible from outside
3 Ballast compartment (ca. 5 ltrs)
4 Straight-through Anti-G pocket
5 Large back compartment (ca. 25 ltrs) with
extra pocket and holder for drink systems
6 Lid compartment
7 Radio pocket
Features9 | ADVANCE IMPRESS 4

Delivery
Before delivery every ADVANCE product has to be checked by the dealer for complete-
ness and correct basic settings.
Please register your product on your MyADVANCE Account within ten days of purcha-
se in order to benefit from the extended ADVANCE Warranty. This is valid for three years
for deficiencies attributable to manufacturing faults. Otherwise the warranty of your coun-
try applies.
Preparing the product
Delivery Package
§COMFORTPACK 130 ltrs IMPRESS 4 version
§IMPRESS 4 Windshield
§Detachable Cockpit
§Hook Knife integral with Cockpit
§Radio pocket for fitting to main strap
§2 Edelrid «Alias Speed» Carabiners
§Air tube with NRV (non-return valve)
§Certified foam protector
§Back comfort foam
§4 SAS-TEC protector sections
§Carbon seatboard
§Anti-G pocket blank
§30 mm Ronstan speed pulleys
§Carbon footboard
§2 stage speed system
§Reserve container (for left and/or right)
§2 Reserve V-connection lines (one sewn in)
§Blank + dummy yellow cables for reserve compartment
Preparing the product10 | ADVANCE IMPRESS 4

With and without seatboard
The IMPRESS 4 inherits the genes of the IMPRESS 2 and
IMPRESS 3, and is the first serious cross-country and
competition harness that can be flown with or without a
seatboard, without operating restrictions or readjustment.
With the seatboard fitted you experience a stiff sports
suspension feel: maximum directional stability and direct
canopy feedback. Without the seatboard the ride changes
to a comfortably damped Cruiser Feeling, with the body
reassuringly encased in the body-conforming seat shell.
It is a question of personal preference. Comfort remains si-
milar in both modes. Without seatboard you lie somewhat
lower in the harness and more encased within the seat
shell – a comfortable sensation.
Removing and replacing the seatboard
The seatboard is pulled out from under the seat surface, or
pushed back in and secured with a Velcro strap.
See also section «Removing & replacing components»
p.37.
Info: When changing between with and without se-
atboard configurations the harness does not need
significant resetting, but simple readjustment can
be necessary. This could also be done after a test
flight.
Caution: The arched curved end of the carbon se-
atboard must face forward and lie with the curve
downwards, as shown.
Cruiser Feeling
A comfortably damped and
body-conforming seat shell
Without seatboard With seatboard
Sporty Suspension Feeling
Very direct, and directionally stable
Front end
Preparing the product11 | ADVANCE IMPRESS 4

Installing a reserve
The IMPRESS 4 can take two reserves in its reserve con-
tainer under the seat. An adjustable dividing wall separa-
tes the container into left and right sides. A single reser-
ve can be carried with equal priority for left or right release.
Important advice about the reserve system
Every reserve/harness combination has its own characte-
ristics. 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 re-
liable functioning is assured.
Caution: Installing a reserve must only be done by
a qualified person. Your safety depends on it!
Compatibility of the reserve/harness system
Bulky reserves of an older generation can be relatively diffi-
cult to release from compact, modern harnesses, especial-
ly under high-G circumstances. Certified volumes of reser-
ves for the IMPRESS 4 reserve compartment are a function
of harness size: Size S: 3 – 5.5 litres, M: 3 – 6 litres,
L: 3 – 6.5 litres.
Info: For a broad approximation for reserve volu-
me in litres a factor of x 2.7 can be applied to the re-
serve weight in kgs. Depending on method and pa-
cking skill a reserve with a volume arrived at by this
formula, which is within the certified limits for a har-
ness, still may not release without problem.
Caution: 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.
Caution: In every case a test release/compatibility
test carried out by the subject pilot in realistic con-
ditions is the only way to prove that the particular
reserve will reliably release from the IMPRESS 4.
Caution: When newly folded, a reserve can display
a 30% enlarged volume. ADVANCE strongly recom-
mend a compatibility test.
Arranging for one or two reserves
One reserve V-connection is permanently sewn into the
IMPRESS 4 , the second is delivered attached by two
maillons . ADVANCE recommend that the sewn-in
connection is used for the main reserve. See «Connecting
the reserve(s) to the harness» p.16.
If only one reserve is carried the empty space can be ta-
ken up by the blank provided and closed with the blank
yellow cable . See «Closing the reserve compartment(s)»
p.18
Depending on reserve volume the central dividing wall
in the reserve compartment can be moved by 4 cm in eit-
her direction and fixed with its Velcro. This dividing wall
cannot be taken out.
Video Tutorial
«Installing a reserve»
Preparing the product12 | ADVANCE IMPRESS 4

Steerable reserves
The IMPRESS 4 can also be used with a steerable reserve.
Connection to the harness should be made with two mail-
lons of minimum strength of 2,400 daN, direct to the co-
loured marked suspension points under the covers on the
shoulder straps. Then the steerable risers and lines should
be led through the channel on the harness to the reserve
compartment. The permanent serial connection V-lines can
be used for a second reserve, or led through the opening
provided and stowed away in the harness back pocket.
Info: The fitting of Quick-Out Carabiners is possible.
Use the bigger loops for the speedbag suspension.
Packing reserve(s) in the inner container(s)
The release handles of the left and right 5-flap inner cont-
ainers are part of the container, and so designed that the
pull of the handle is equally distributed over the width of
the container. This minimises the risk of the inner container
jamming in the reserve compartment, and guarantees a fla-
wless deployment.
Caution:
Only use the original reserve handle(s)
and its attached inner container(s).
Caution: The two inner containers must occupy
their correct sides of the reserve compartment. This
arrangement must not be reversed.
Caution: Each harness size has its own inner cont-
ainer size, marked on its handle
Always pack your reserve to the shape and size of the
IMPRESS 4 inner container supplied
Lay the folded reserve in the inner container with the
reserve line bundles on the opposite side of the inner con-
tainer from the reserve handle. When all lines are stowed,
approximately 90 cm of suspension line should remain for
securing the inner container closure flaps. The 90 cm does
not include the reserve bridle.
Preparing the product13 | ADVANCE IMPRESS 4

Closing the Inner container(s)
Close the 5 flap inner container flaps in the order of their
numbering 1-3. Secure the last container lid flap (#3) wi -
th a line loop of 5 to 6 cms length (3 finger widths). Now
check the tension of the bungee loop and adjust its length
if required.
Info: the line loop should slip through the bungee
under the weight of the reserve alone.
Close the last container flap (red border) with two similar
line loops of equal lengths (5 to 6 cm). These final loops
are retained by doubled elastic bands which are led th-
rough the eyelets on the outer container flap. The two ela-
stic bands are already mounted at the factory.
Preparing the product14 | ADVANCE IMPRESS 4

Opening the connection line channel
In order to be able to install the rescue reserve(s) in the in-
ner container into the harness, the connection line chan-
nel must be opened entirerly. This is a continuous chan -
nel from the left rescue compartment over the shoulder to
the right rescue compartment, which can be closed wi-
th a zipper.
First open the back part of the yellow cable on the left si-
de to reveal the red zip slider.
Pull this slider up around the zip track over the top of the
harness to the right side...
...to the end of the right reserve compartment.
Preparing the product15 | ADVANCE IMPRESS 4

Connecting the reserve(s) to the harness
With a Maillon Rapide
Connect the sewn-in IMPRESS 4 V-connection to the re-
serve bridle with a maillon of 2,400 daN minimum strength.
Locate the webbing straps at each end of the maillon – for
example using O rings or a specified Velcro filler, so that
the webbing loops neither slide round the maillon nor side-
load it in the event of an emergency reserve deployment.
The first case could overheat the webbing and melt it, the
second situation could cause the maillon to fail.
Loop-in-loop connection
Following extensive testing, the loop-in-loop technique
is permitted and considered safe for ADVANCE products
provided that the following two precautions are observed.
The loops must be centred, and pulled as tight as possib-
le by hand.
ADVANCE can make no statement about the strength of
this method if an ADVANCE harness is connected to other
reserves.
The same procedure can be used for the harness
V-connection which is connected to the harness by 2 mail-
lons.
Caution: Do not use sticky tape instead of rubber
O rings for locating (stabilising) webbing lines on a
maillon!
Info: When loop-in-looping a COMPANION reser-
ve bridle to a an IMPRESS 4 the V-connection neo-
prene cover must be pulled fully over the loop
connection.
Caution: Never connect the inner container
to the reserve!
Caution: Make sure left and right V-connection
lines do not cross.
Preparing the product16 | ADVANCE IMPRESS 4

Lay the connecting lines
in first, then the reserve.
R on R and L on L
Putting the inner container(s) in the reserve
compartment(s)
IMPRESS 4 inner containers and reserve compartments
are marked R and L for right and left reserves.
§Always lay connection lines in the compartment first,
then the reserve inner container.
§Make sure that R goes in R and L in L.
§The reserve handle connection must not be twisted.
Caution: If a newly packed reserve does not match
the shape of the inner container the reserve must
be refolded to the correct shape.
Caution: Never pack the right-hand container in
the left compartment or vice versa.
Info: This manual describes the installation of a
single reserve on the right-hand side. The installa-
tion of a second reserve or a single reserve on the
left-hand side can be derived analogously.
Info: If the IMPRESS 4 is used with only one reser-
ve the empty reserve compartment must be occu-
pied by the suitably shaped foam blank provided in
order that the reserve compartment does not per-
manently deform.
Preparing the product17 | ADVANCE IMPRESS 4

Push the long yellow closure cable through the yellow tab
on the inside of the upper flap and lead it out through the
yellow hole by the eyelet.
Follow the numbers 1– 3.
Fold the lower flap up while slotting the right flap in pla-
ce (red to red).
Closing the reserve compartment(s)
Info: The closure flaps are numbered 1 to 4.
Info: Harness delivery includes a red packing
cable. This can be used as a packing help.
Preparing the product18 | ADVANCE IMPRESS 4

Stow the long yellow cab-
le in its buttonhole.
Fold the left part of the lo-
wer closure flap up and
into the left flap (red to
red).
Fold the upper flap down
and secure it with its loop
and adjacent yellow cab-
le, using a packing aid line
or the red plastic device
provided.
Stow the handle base
(red) in its red pocket.
Lead the two short yellow
cables through the yellow
holes by their eyelets (in
flap 4).
Fold flap 4 up, and secure
the right-hand side with
its yellow cable.
Stow this cable end in its
buttonhole.
connect the red zip slider
and run it up 10 cm
Preparing the product19 | ADVANCE IMPRESS 4

Close the left side with its
yellow cable and stow the
end in its buttonhole.
Locate the reserve han-
dle on its Velcro and settle
the magnet.
Preparing the product20 | ADVANCE IMPRESS 4