Advance acoustic AXESS 5 User manual

AXESS 5
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. Features 2
3.1. Features 2
3.2. Protectors & Seatboard 2
4. Preparing the product 3
4.1. Delivery 3
4.2. Installing a reserve 4
4.3. Adjusting the harness 16
5. Preparation for flight 21
5.1. Setting up the drink system 21
5.2. Pack the back compartment 22
5.3. Leg strap position holder 22
5.4. Fitting the optional foot stirrup 23
5.5. Clipping in the paraglider 24
5.6. Takeoff preparation and checks 24
6. Use in Practice 24
6.1. Paraglider models of other brands 25
6.2. Winching 25
6.3. Acro 25
6.4. Tandem flying 25
6.5. Use in the school environment 25
6.6. Balance Strap System 25
6.7. Using the Windshield 26
6.8. Flying with the foot stirrup 26
6.9. Using the speedbar 26
6.10. Packing the equipment 27
6.11. Emergencies 27
7. Maintenance 29
7.1. Maintenance harness 29
7.2. Air-Foam Hybrid 30
7.3. Check harness 30
7.4. Carabiner service life 30

7.5. Overstress 31
7.6. Repairs harness 31
7.7. Removing & replacing components 31
7.8. Disposal 33
8. Service & Warranty 33
8.1. ADVANCE Service Center 33
8.2. Support (Website) 33
8.3. Online Account 33
8.4. Warranty 33
9. Technical data 34
9.1. Data 34
9.2. Materials 34

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 / 34

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 AXESS 5 greatly
contributes to safety, correct function and comfort in flight.
Warning
No protector can offer complete protection against injury. The EN/LTF certified protector
can only absorb some of the energy of impacts and therefore minimise injuries that might
result from unlucky takeoffs and landings.
Warning The AXESS 5 certification up to 120 kg is restricted exclusively to paraglider sport.
3. FEATURES
3.1. Features
1. Velcros for Mini Vario and Hook Knife
2. Drink tube opening
3. Reserve supports (opening with zipper)
4. Inside pocket with mounting toggle for drink system
5. Two side pockets, one with zipper and one without
6. Easy Connect System
7. Familiar 2-buckle closure system
8. Reserve container with labyrinth closure
9. Elastic holdback for speedbar
10. Leg strap position holder
3.2. Protectors & Seatboard 2 / 34

The AXESS 5 has a NfL 2-565-20 certified Air-Foam Hybrid-Protector, visco-elastic soft-foam protection at the
sides and the back – extending up to the neck vertebrae. The visco-elastic parts from the German SAS-TEC
company attenuate impacts and provide protection from pointed obstructions. The AXESS 5 is now equipped with a
polypropylen seatboard in honeycomb construction. All the parts listened can be replaced.
1. SAS-TEC Back crash and penetration protection
2. Air-Foam Hybrid-Protector
3. SAS-TEC Side crash and penetration protection
4. Honeycomb Seatboard
4. PREPARING THE PRODUCT
4.1. 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.
4.1.1. Delivery includes
Main protector
3 SAS-TEC Elements
Inner container with handle
Honeycomb Seatboard PP
2 Alu carabiners EDELRID
Speed system
Getting Started Booklet
3 / 34

Options
Foot stirrup
Cockpit
Hook knife
Radio pocket
4.2. Installing a reserve
General
4 / 34

The AXESS 5has an integrated reserve compartment.
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
Bulky reserves of an older generation can be relatively difficult to release from compact, modern harnesses,
especially under high-G circumstances. Certified volumes of reserves for the AXESS 5 reserve compartment are a
function of harness size: Size S: 2.5 - 6.0 liters, M: 2.5 - 6.0 liters, L: 2.5 - 6.5 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
AXESS 5.
Warning A newly-folded reserve can occupy up to 30% greater volume. ADVANCE strongly
recommend a compatibility test.
Steerable reserves
The AXESS 5can also be used with a steerable reserve. Connection to the harness should be made with two
maillons of minimum strength of 2,400 daN, direct to the coloured 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.
Info It is possible to install quick-out carabiners.
4.2.1. Packing the reserve in the inner container
General
The release handle and the five-flap inner container are connected and designed in such a way that the pull from
the release handle is evenly distributed over the entire width of the inner container. This reduces the risk of the
inner container jamming in the reserve compartment and of reserve lines entangling with the inner container, and
guarantees optimal deployment. The release handle used with the five-flap inner container is part of the harness 5 / 34

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
Always pack your reserve parachute to fit the shape and size of the supplied inner container. Place the rescue lines
in the back in the direction of flight/throw. 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 AXESS 5.
6 / 34

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.
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. 7 / 34

4.2.2. Connecting the reserve to the harness
By looping
Based on extensive testing, ADVANCE harnesses 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. Looping
2. Detailed view
8 / 34

3. Neoprene cover
With a Maillon Rapide
Connect the sewn bridles of the AXESS 5 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. Using a Maillon Rapide
9 / 34

2. Neoprene cover
Warning Do not use tape instead of the rubber ring to fix the Maillon Rapide!
Info When looping a COMPANION reserve with the AXESS 5, the V-line Neoprene Cover must
be pulled over the connection.
Warning Never attach the inner container to the reserve parachute!
4.2.3. Putting the inner container in the reserve compartment 10 / 34

When installing the reserve, always place the bridle in the reserve compartment first and then the inner container.
It is essential that the inner container closure flaps face the bottom (when in flight) of the harness. Follow the
directions indicated on the inner container and the inside of the reserve compartment. Silver dot to silver dot! 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 Silver dot to silver dot!
4.2.4. Closing the reserve compartment
The outer container flaps are closed by loops (1) and cable (2). Outer container design supplies the necessary
tensions and pressures on the closure loops and cable.
First fold the outer container sides (3) in. The left side goes between the flaps of the right side (Labyrinth seal). The
Labyrinth closes itself using small magnets. Now carefully slide the right hand zipper from right to left, then back
to the right (4) and stow it in its zipper garage.
Next in sequence comes the zip on the left side, which closes the harness/reserve connection channel. Carefully
guide the zip puller all the way down the left side of the container – to the start of the zip track. Then return it
upwards (5) to close the channel. Finally stow this zipper in its zipper garage.
11 / 34

12 / 34

13 / 34

Warning The zipper must be stowed in the zipper garage. Pre-Flight check! Release blockage
danger!!!
14 / 34

Warning After a not-so-good ‘crash’ landing on the protector you should check that the reserve
compartment is still properly closed.
Securing the reserve handle
The two eyelets for the release loops are on the Neoprene pocket that holds the release
handle. Fold this pocket (6) down and push the end of the reserve handle inside (7).
Using two short lengths of line thread the two white closure loops (1) through the metal
eyelets, secure the white loops with the ends of the yellow cable (8) and lead these into
their buttonholes (9). It is also possible to do this for the AXESS 5 without the help of the
packing lines.
Remove these lines carefully, leading them under the yellow cables to avoid damaging the
white loops by friction.
Warning After installing the reserve, it is mandatory to remove all auxiliary equipment and the red
packing device! Danger of release blockage!
Warning To guarantee a correct release always make sure that the yellow cables run freely.
Warning Never connect the reserve directly to the inner container!
Info The zip fasteners will always open easily and reliably when required – even after long
intervals between openings.
4.2.5. Compatibility Test
15 / 34

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 AXESS 5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.
4.3. Adjusting the harness
4.3.1. Preparation and basic settings
General information
Install the reserve before adjusting the harness.
Load the back compartment with your equipment.
Set all straps to the basic settings (as delivered).
Close the harness and hang yourself (in the harness) up in a harness hanger.
Make adjustments if necessary. The main straps are also adjustable in flight.
Basic settings
16 / 34

Hint
ADVANCE recommend that you thoroughly familiarise yourself with these adjustments
before your first flight in the harness. As well as that you should always make your first
test flight with new equipment in quiet weather conditions.
4.3.2. Adjustment steps
Adjusting the upper body angle
Upper body attitude is altered by the adjustable back straps (1). Pull them in to a reasonably upright back position
at which you feel comfortable. They also set the recline angle quickly and easily during flight. These straps are
mounted relatively high at the sides to give good back support, and take weight off your shoulders. Pulling in the
back straps results in an upright back – loosening them completely will put the pilot in something approaching a
lying position. ADVANCE recommend the basic setting.
17 / 34