Advance acoustic BIPRO 4 User manual

BIPRO 4
Product Manual
Version 03.04.2023

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
4. Preparing the product 3
4.1. Delivery 3
4.2. Installing a reserve 4
4.3. Adjusting the harness 13
5. Preparation for flight 15
5.1. Fitting the optional Spreaders 15
5.2. Use with other spreaders 18
5.3. Relief tube routing 19
5.4. Pack the back compartment 20
5.5. Takeoff preparation and checks 20
6. Use in Practice 20
6.1. Paraglider models of other brands 20
6.2. Winching 20
6.3. Acro 21
6.4. Tandem flying 21
6.5. Packing the equipment 21
6.6. Use in the training environment 21
6.7. Emergencies 21
7. Maintenance 23
7.1. Maintenance harness 23
7.2. Foam protector 24
7.3. Check harness 24
7.4. Carabiner handling 24
7.5. Overstress 25
7.6. Repairs harness 25
7.7. Removing & replacing components 25
7.8. Disposal 26
8. Service & Warranty 26
8.1. ADVANCE Service Center 26

8.2. Support (Website) 26
8.3. Online Account 27
8.4. Warranty 27
9. Technical data 27
9.1. Data 27
9.2. Materials 27

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 / 28

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 BIPRO 4 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 BIPRO 4 certification up to 120 kg is restricted exclusively to paraglider sport.
3. FEATURES
3.1. Features
1. Tube pockets for neat stowage of reserve connection lines
2. Velcro for a vario
3. Back stowage with separate internal pocket
4. Reserve connection channel with zip
5. Selfie-Stick holder, can be attached right or left
6. Two side pockets, one with zipper and one without
7. Outer container with Labyrinth closure
8. Mini chest strap
9. Edelrid Triple-Lock buckles
10. Comfortable V-Legpads
2 / 28

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
Protector
Inner container with handle
Hook Knife
Selfie-Stick Holder
Getting Started Booklet
Options
Hard Hybrid Spreaders
Soft Trim Spreaders
Soft Spreaders
V-Line Kit
Companion SQR 230
FASTPACK
3 / 28

4.2. Installing a reserve
General
The BIPRO 4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
4 / 28

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 BIPRO 4 reserve compartment are a
function of harness size: M: 5.0 - 9.0 liters, L: 5.0 - 9.0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
BIPRO 4.
Warning A newly-folded reserve can occupy up to 30% greater volume. ADVANCE strongly
recommend a compatibility test.
Steerable reserves
The BIPRO 4 is not suitable for steerable reserves.
Info It is not 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
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 BIPRO 4.
5 / 28

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. 6 / 28

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
7 / 28

3. Neoprene cover
With a Maillon Rapide
Connect the sewn bridles of the BIPRO 4 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
8 / 28

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 BIPRO 4, 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 9 / 28

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 and cable. Outer container design supplies the necessary tensions and
pressures on the closure loops and cable.
First thread two short packing assist lines through the left hand outer container flap white closure loops. Then
thread the right hand pack line through the metal eyelet of the right hand outer container flap and close it. The
right hand flap goes between the tongues of the left flap (Labyrinth closure). The Labyrinth closes itself with a
small magnet.
Now carefully run the right hand zip glider from right to left to its start, then close it from left to right, finally
stowing it in its «zipper garage».
Next the left hand zip, which closes the V-connection channel, is opened and closed as follows. Carefully run the
zipper all the way from top to bottom, to the end of the left side of the outer container. This is the actual start of
the zip. Then pull the zip slider up again and close the channel. The slider must be pulled all the way up to the end
of the track, and finally stowed in its own «zipper garage». Finally close the Velcro cover. This Velcro also
safeguards the zip fastener.
10 / 28

Warning The zipper must be stowed in the zipper garage. Pre-Flight check! Release blockage
danger!!!
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
Fold the top container flap (with the Neoprene pocket for the handle) down. Then push the
reserve handle into the open side of this pocket, leading the two yellow cables out
through the slots at the bottom. Run the packing lines through the metal eyelets at either
side of the flap, pull the white closure loops through and secure them with the yellow
11 / 28

cables. Then stow the ends of the cables in their «buttonholes».
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
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 BIPRO 4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. 12 / 28

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.
The passenger harness can have a considerable effect on the pilot’s sitting position. We therefore
recommend that adjustments are made with a passenger harness; both harnesses attached to spreaders
hung in a harness stand.
Basic settings
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. Closing the harness 13 / 28

The BIPRO 4 has the reliable ADVANCE Get-Up closure system with two Edelrid Triple-Lock buckles. This very
effective buckle replaces the previous problematic Click-Lock buckles. They close under load. Three deliberate
consecutive actions are necessary (hence triple lock) to open it. This makes an unintended opening impossible.
To close the buckle, put the open end , at a 90 degree angle, over the hook with the yellow safety catch. Then pull
the harness ends outwards. A clear “Klack” sound shows that the buckle is securely closed. To open, press the
yellow knob, push the open buckle end towards the knob, tip it through 90 degrees and lift it free.
In addition, you can close the mini chest strap by its clip buckle. It has no supporting function, but can prevent
loose shoulder straps from slipping off the shoulders.
4.3.3. Adjustment steps
Adjusting the upper body angle
Upper body angle is varied using the back straps. (1) Pull them in until you are sitting reasonably upright and feel
comfortable. These straps lie relatively high at the sides, and this not only gives good back support but also takes
unnecessary pressure from the shoulders. Fully pulled in back straps result in an upright position. Completely
released back straps allow for an almost lying down situation. ADVANCE recommends the basic setting.
Shoulder strap adjustment
The BIPRO 4 shoulder straps (2) are set according to pilot height and chosen position. The Neoprene-covered
adjusters are at hip level, and can be set at any position. Pull the straps in until they lie comfortably on the
shoulders to provide light support, but do not put any pressure on the shoulders.
Seat angle setting
The BIPRO 4 seat angle can be altered using the buckles at the sides. (3) This additional seat support contributes to
a high level of comfort during flight. These straps should be adjusted symmetrically.
14 / 28

5. PREPARATION FOR FLIGHT
5.1. Fitting the optional Spreaders
Three optional spreader versions are available to go with the BIPRO 4: Hard Hybrid, Soft
Trim and Soft. All versions can be used with Quickout paraglider carabiners.
Warning The two Maillon Rapide 5 mm carabiners (650 kg load capacity and /3.250 kg breaking
strain) are exclusively for use for connecting spreaders to the BIPRO 4 harness!
Overview Tandem Combi
15 / 28

Hard Hybrid Spreaders (295 g*)
The Hard Hybrid spreaders have a central main paraglider support point and a supplied Maillon Rapide 5 mm
quicklink (incl. Neoprene cover ) to be used for connecting the pilot’s end. One end of each reserve connection line
is permanently connected at the spreader main support point. The other end goes on the outside of the carabiner
through the magnet-closed loop on the Neoprene cover to the BIPRO 4 shoulder straps, then into the tube pocket,
and finally connects to the reserve.
Info The Hard Hybrid Spreader can be easily converted to Soft by simply removing the carbon
bracing rod.
16 / 28

Soft Trim Spreaders (237 g*)
The Soft Trim spreaders have a single support point for the tandem glider. The pilot’s height position can be
adjusted during flight by means of trimmers , to compensate for the passenger’s weight and meet the pilot’s
requirements.
The carabiner-replacement quicklinks (incl. Neoprene covers) supplied with the spreaders go through the pilot’s
loops and connect to the BIPRO 4 main supports. One end of each reserve connection is fixed to the spreader main
support point . The other end runs on the outside of the carabiner through the magnet-closed loop on the
Neoprene covers to the BIPRO 4 shoulder strap, and excess length is stowed in the Tube-Pocket there. The
remaining end attaches to the reserve.
Soft Spreaders (175 g*)
Soft-Spreaders have three different main support points for the tandem glider.
The supplied Maillon Rapide quicklinks (incl. Neoprene covers ) are each used to connect a pilot’s spreader end to
the BIPRO 4. Reserve connection lines are fixed to a spreader below the main attachment point . The other ends of
the connection lines go on the outside of the carabiner through the magnet-closed loop on the Neoprene covers to
the BIPRO 4 shoulder straps and the excess length neatly stowed in the Tube-Pockets there . The ends then connect
to the reserve.
Warning
When fitting the paraglider carabiners make sure that the numbers for the hangpoints are
on top. The reserve connection lines must run along the underside of the spreaders. If this
is not the case you have the spreaders upside down.
17 / 28