Gradient Avax XC2 User manual

Avax XC2
USER MANUAL
Please read this manual carefully and keep its instruction
in mind when using your Avax XC2 paraglider

CONTENTS:
1. INTRODUCTION
2. DESCRIPTION OF PARAGLIDER
2.1. Technical description
2.2. Technical data
2.3. Specifications of materials
3. CERTIFICATION
4. ADJUSTING YOUR GLIDER
4.1. Break line lengths
4.2. Addition of speed system
5. FLIGHT OPERATIONS
5.1. Standard flight regime
5.1.1. Pre-flight inspection
5.1.2. Launch
5.1.3. Flight
5.1.4. Landing
5.2. Fast descent
5.2.1. Big ears
5.2.2. B-line stall
5.2.3. Spiral dive
5.3. Special flight operations
5.3.1. Collapse of one side of the sail
5.3.2. Frontal collapse of the canopy
5.3.3. Deep stall ("Sackflug")
5.3.4. Full stall
5.3.5 Negative spin
6. MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
7. REPAIRS
8. CONCLUSION

1. INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on buying a new GRADIENT Avax XC2! We believe that you will
be very enthusiastic about your new glider in terms of its flight characteristics and
construction.
Avax XC2 is a cross-country and easy-competition paraglider and therefore is
meant for very qualified pilots.
This manual provides information which will help you fly safely and keep your wing
in good condition. If after reading this booklet you have any further questions or
uncertainties, please do not hesitate to contact our company or any authorised
GRADIENT dealer and we will gladly answer all your questions.
We would also welcome feedback from you, our customer, about your new Avax
XC2.
2. DESCRIPTION OF PARAGLIDER
2.1. Technical description
•The ground plan is a very slender elliptical shape with a slight positive
contortion of the leading edge. This means that the "ears" (stabilo) of the
canopy are slightly swept back in flight and this modern design gives a
number of advantages.
•The Avax XC2's profile was derived from successful competition glider Avax
SR7. The airfoil’s characteristics were defined as to deliver maximum stability
over as wide a speed range as possible. These required qualities are
supported by positioning and size of the cell openings.
•A unit cell structure with two non-carrying ribs and diagonal segmented ribs
that attach directly to the upper surface was chosen for optimal definition of
the top surface curve without loss of stability in operation.
•The arrangement of the speed system and the layout of the line attachment
points improves stability at maximum speed - an essential feature of modern
high-performance paragliders.
•Avax XC2 is supplied with a well proven four-riser speed system which gives
great acceleration and maximum speed.
•The well-proven three-level line concept with progressively differing
diameters is used. All lines are uncovered Edelrid Aramid, middle-level lines
and main lines have UV protection. All that lines have the advantage of
splice loops giving maximum overall strength, durability and the lowest
possible drag.

2.2. Technical data
Avax XC2 22 24 26 28 30
Area ........................ 21.32 m
2
23.27 m
2
25.06 m
2
26.91 m
2
29.10 m
2
Span ....................... 11.66 m 12.18 m
12.64 m 13.10 m 13.63 m
Aspect ratio ............. 6.38 6.38 6.38 6.38 6.38
Proj. surface area .… 18.38 m
2
20.06 m
2
21.60 m
2
23.20 m
2
25.09 m
2
Proj. wingspan ........ 9.56 m 9.99 m 10.36 m 10.74 m 11.17 m
Proj. aspect ratio .… 4.97 4.97 4.97 4.97 4.97
Maximum chord …... 2.31 m 2.41 m
2.50 m 2.59 m 2.69 m
Minimum chord ........ 0.47 m 0.49 m 0.51 m 0.53 m 0.55 m
No. of cells ............... 73 73 73 73 73
Lines diameter ......... Edelrid 7000-8000/U 0.6/0.7/0.8/0.9/1.1/1.2 mm
Max. line length (B)…. 7.05 m 7.36 m 7.64 m 7.92 m
8.23 m
Line consumption …... 341.1 m 356.4 m 369.7 m 383.2 m 398.5 m
Weight ...................... 4.8 kg 5.1 kg 5.4 kg 5.8 kg 6.2 kg
Min. take-off weight.... 65 kg 75 kg 85 kg 95 kg 105 kg
Max. take-off weight.... 80 kg 95 kg 105 kg 115 kg 130 kg
Certification ………….. EN EN EN-C EN-C EN
Take-off weight is the weight of the pilot including equipment and paraglider (approx. 20 – 25 kg)
2.3. Specifications of materials
Canopy
Upper Sail ….….. Porcher Marine New SKYTEX 9092 E85A-Evolution, 45 g/m
2
Porcher Marine New SKYTEX 9017 E38A-Classic, 40 g/m
2
Bottom Sail …..… Porcher Marine New SKYTEX 9017 E38A-Classic, 40 g/m
2
Ribs .................... Porcher Marine SKYTEX 9092 E29A Hard finish, 45 g/m
2
Porcher Marine SKYTEX 9017 E29A Hard finish, 40 g/m
2
Reinforcements … Scrim F 02 420 X15A, 180 g/m
2
; Dacron 160 g/m
2
Thread ................ Benar PES
Suspension system
Lines ................. Edelrid Aramid 7000-045 ∅ 0.5 mm
Edelrid Aramid 7000-065 ∅ 0.6 mm
Edelrid Aramid 7000-080 ∅ 0.7 mm
Edelrid Aramid 8000/U-070 ∅ 0.7 mm
Edelrid Aramid 8000/U-090 ∅ 0.8 mm
Edelrid Aramid 8000/U-130 ∅ 0.9 mm
Edelrid Aramid 8000/U-190
∅ 1.1 mm
Edelrid Aramid 8000/U-230 ∅ 1.2 mm

Risers .................. PAD 1,8/22 mm
Thread ................ PAV 9 PAD
Pulleys ............…. AustriAlpin, Riley
Carabiners ........... Maillon Rapide ∅3.5 mm
3. CERTIFICATION
The Avax XC2 have in all sizes a new European certification EN.
The certification is valid for all harnesses of ABS type. This type of harnesses
enables a certain degree of adjustment to be made to the length of the waist strap.
42 cm is the recommended distance between the carabiners.
The following point applies to the Avax XC2 in common with all other paragliders.
When loosened cross-bracing is used the pilot's weight shift control is greater and
the glider is also more sensitive to the movements in the surrounding air. When the
cross-bracings are tighter, the pilot feels subjectively more stable but turning by
weight-shifting is practically ineffectual.
NOTICE: Paraglider Avax XC2 is constructed for hill or tow
launches. Use of subsidiary motor has not been tested for!
THIS GLIDER IS NOT MEANT FOR JUMPING FROM
A PLANE, BALLOON OR FOR JUMPS
WITH A BELATED OPENING OF THE CANOPY !
4. ADJUSTING YOUR GLIDER
Every Avax XC2 , before it is given to a customer, has a final check-up and test-
flight to verify that its characteristics and measurements correspond to the
manufacturer's specifications.
You may only make adjustments to the break line lengths or to the speed system
of your Avax XC2 and only then in keeping with the recommendations of this
manual.
Other adjustments or changes to your Avax XC2 lead to a loss of guarantee.
If you do have any suggestions on improvements let us know and our test-pilots
will try out your ideas without risk for yourself.

4.1. Brake line adjustment
When you receive your new Avax XC2, the brake line-length is adjusted to suit
most pilots and is indicated on the main control line. It is of course possible to
adjust the break line length to suit each pilot's physical build, height of harness
hang points, or style of flying.
We recommend that you act wisely when adjusting break line length. Break lines
that are too short may
1) lead to fatigue from flying with your hands in an unnatural position,
2) impede recovery from certain unstable manoeuvres and
3) will certainly reduce your glider's speed range.
Brakes that are too long will
a) hamper pilot control during launch,
b) reduce control in extreme flying situations and
c) make it difficult to execute a good flare when landing.
Each break line should be tied securely to its control handle. Only use knots which
will guarantee this such as a dragon's knot, etc.
4.2. Addition of speed system
Avax XC2 is equipped with a foot operated speed system as standard. Pressure
on the foot stirrup shortens the A, B and C risers and by this, reduces the angle of
attack of the canopy. The working range of the speed system pulleys is 15 cm.
Make sure you can utilise the whole of this range when you attach your speed
stirrup. For some pilots this will require the use of a two step speed stirrup.
5. FLIGHT OPERATIONS
This manual is intended as a guide to the characteristic features of
your new Avax XC2 paraglider. Under no circumstances should it
be used as a "learn-to-fly" manual for paragliding or as a substitute
for a paragliding pilot's training course.
5.1. Standard flight regime
5.1.1. Pre-flight check
A thorough pre-flight check is essential for safe flying and that's why you should
pay special attention to it. Above all you should check that the canopy, lines and
risers are free from damage and tangles. Also don't forget about your harness
and your reserve parachute.

Before the launch spread the canopy out into a slight arc and check that:
•all cell openings are free
•no lines are looped around or under the canopy
•no lines are tangled or have a knot in them
•any twigs, grass or other objects are not entangled in the lines or the canopy
•risers are not twisted
•control lines run freely through the pulleys
•knots on control handles are secure
•carabiners on risers are tightened !
5.1.2. Launch
Launching the Avax XC2 is straight-forward, either by front launch or by reverse
launch. A dynamic pull of the front risers (A) will bring the canopy simply and
easily above the pilot's head. The canopy inflates from the centre equally and
fluently. Don't forget about visually checking the canopy and its lines before the
actual launch! Take off can be made easier by a light pull on the brakes.
5.1.3. Flight
When the brakes are loose, Avax XC2 is trimmed to fly at best glide angle. The
best sink rate is produced with both the control lines drawn down evenly to about
20%-25% of their range.
Flying in turbulent conditions
When flying through severe turbulence it is recommended the canopy is stabilised
by simultaneously applying a little brake to both sides. Flying with a little brake
applied will also help to prevent deflations and allow you to get more feedback from
your glider about how the turbulent air influences the behaviour of your paraglider.
Responding correctly to the paraglider's movements by means of the breaks and
weight shift is known as "active flying". A pilot demonstrating good active flying
skils will significantly reduce both the number and severity of collapses he or she
experiences.
Turning
The Avax XC2 is very comfortable and pleasant in turns. The handling
characteristics are very responsive and accurate and demand no special habits or
non standard procedures. When developing the Avax XC2 special attention was
devoted to the control forces required to manoeuvre the paraglider. The result is
that the break travel and force has been optimised. In flight the control forces are
firm, responsive and precise and allow for a perfect communication between the
pilot and the canopy. Break pressure is reassuringly progressive.
A harness with fairly loose cross-bracing facilitates turning. In an emergency

(i.e. a torn control line) Avax XC2 can be manoeuvred by steering with the rear
risers or by weight shift.
Usage of speed system
Maximum speed is one of the strong points of GRADIENT paragliders and the
Avax XC2 is no exception. Not only has it got a very high maximum speed, but
unlike some other paragliders the full speed range is useable. In spite of this
exceptional stability at high speed don't forget that any collapse at full speed will be
more sever than the same event experienced at normal trim speed. Always keep
both hands on the controls when flying fast in turbulence and be ready to release
the speed system immediately at the first signs of a collapse. Use the speed
system very carefully or not at all at low altitude.
5.1.4. Landing
Landing with Avax XC2 is very simple and without difficulties. On your first flights
you may be surprised at just how well it glides. Take account of this when making
your landing approach! Against a wind, at about 1m above the ground you may
pull down the brakes all the way. Under zero wind conditions, or if forced to make
an emergency landing down wind you may perfer to take a wrap of each control
line so as to enable a stronger flare.
5.2. Rapid descent
Every pilot will sooner or later be in a position when he/she has to quickly decrease
his/her altitude. This situation may come about as the result of a sudden and
unexpected change in the weather, Reaching cloudbase and not wishing to enter
the disorientating cloud, or simply because you need to finish your flight quickly. If
the landing approach takes place through strong thermals, it is often very difficult to
finish your flight without a rapid descent method being employed. There are three
main methods for achieving a rapid descent and they are: "Big ears", "B-stall" and
"Spiral dive".
5.2.1. Big-ears
This is the easiest technique for a rapid descent. Depending on how much of the
wing tip you deflate; 3 to 6 m/s sink rate can be achieved. While in big ears your
sink rate and forward speed can be further increased by using the speed system.
Avax XC2 can also be steered in big ears by means of weight-shift.

- initiation: Take hold of the outer A-lines on both sides as high as possible and
pull them down (one side followed immediately by the other) fluently and hold them
firmly. The effective area of the paraglider is reduced equally on both sides of the
wing. The size of the deflated area depends on the number of lines pulled (one or
two outer lines per side) and how deeply the lines are pulled down. Be sure to pull
both sides equally.
- recovery: Under normal circumstances Avax XC2 opens automatically when
the A-lines are released. The opening may be accelerated by gentle repeated
braking symmetrically on both sides (slightly "pumping" the breaks).
5.2.2. B-line stall
Depending on how much the B-risers are pulled down, the sink rate is between 5
and 8 m/s.
- initiation: Take hold of the B-risers at the top and smoothly pull them down until
the canopy shows a spanwise crease where the the B-lines attach to the sail. Your
sink rate will increase considerably while your forward speed will decrease to
practically zero. Don't be startled when the air flow over the top surface is
detached and the canopy enters a parachutal stall without moving forward. It will
soon stabilise above your head.
- recovery: On releasing the B-risers Avax XC2 automatically returns to normal
flight without staying in deepstall (sackflug) or shooting in front of the pilot. Let go
of the risers smoothly and symmetrically.
Caution: If the B-risers are released unevenly the canopy could enter a turn on
release from the B-stall. If the risers are released slowly and very unevenly it
could start a spin.
5.2.3. Spiral dive
The spiral dive is the most effective way of making a fast descent. Every pilot
should be able to perform a spiral dive and one day you may need to. Always be
aware of your altitude which decreases very rapidly during a spiral dive. The sink
rate reached in a spiral dive can be more than 15 or 18 m/s. During the spiral dive
the pilot and glider will experience strong centrifugal forces: the overload could be
more than 3 g (!) which is a great demand on the pilot. The glider is strained just
as much!
- initiation: Smoothly pull on one brake so that the glider goes from a normal
360turn into a steep turn and from there into a spiral dive. The transition into a
spiral dive can be made easier by weight shifting to the inner side of the turn. Keep
an eye on the tension of the control line all the time - reduced tension signalises
an overload of the glider and danger of falling into a negative spin.

- recovery: Avax XC2 recovers from a spiral automatically as soon as the brakes
are released. Release them smoothly and always finish a spiral dive with safe
altitude!
5.3. Special flight regimes
No matter what category of canopy you fly or what level of certification it has, in
turbulence or in strong thermals you may experience all kinds of collapses.
Avax XC2 behaves comfortably in these situations, Indeed not only does Avax XC2
deal with extreme flight regimes automatically, but for its category also offers an
above average degree of safety. Even so, you must follow all safety rules when
practising special flight operations and always pay attention to your altitude!
Before performing special flight regimes remember:
•practise reserve deployment on the ground, in a simulator, so that reserve
deployment is automatic and efficient.
•Rapid altitude loss and considerable rotational forces may develop during
unstable manoeuvres. Take account of these factors in the context of reserve
deployment!
5.3.1. Collapse of one side of the canopy
- initiation: Take hold of the outer A-lines on one side and pull them down
smoothly. The wing tip will collapse downward forming a characteristic "big ear".
The size of the ear depends on the depth to which the lines are pulled as well as
the number of lines pulled down. You can stop any tendencies to turn by applying
the opposite brake and by weight shifting onto the inflated side of the canopy.
- recovery: Under normal conditions Avax XC2 will re-inflate spontaneously
when the pulled lines are released. The inflation time and loss of altitude can be
reduced by suitable action of the pilot. To stop any tendencies to turn off course
weight shift on the inflated side and apply a little break to that side. If the collapse
remains then reinflate the collapsed side by "pumping" the brake on the collapsed
side to quicken the inflation.
5.3.2. Frontal collapse of canopy
- initiation: Take hold at the top of both A-risers and pull them down until the
leading edge collapses.

- recovery: In normal conditions Avax XC2 recovers normal flight automatically as
soon as the front risers are released. Opening may be assisted by applying the
brakes on both sides simultaneously.
5.3.3. Deep stall ("sackflug")
- initiation: Pull both brakes smoothly until the sink rate increase markedly and the
forward speed reaches almost zero. The pull on the brakes should be controlled
so that the canopy stays inflated and doesn't fall back into a full stall.
- recovery: Avax XC2 cannot stay in this regime of deep stall flight, so after the
brakes are released the glider automatically returns into normal flight. If you need
to, you may accelerate the recovery of the glider by one of two methods: Either
you can pull both brakes intensely followed by a fast release of brakes or you can
pull on the A-risers lightly.
Caution: If you pull on the A-risers too intensely you may experience a frontal
collapse of the leading edge.
5.3.4. Full stall
- initiation: Take one or two wraps of the control lines and pull both of them down
smoothly. Hold them down until the canopy falls behind the pilot and deforms into
a characteristic crescent shape. Hold your hands firmly (press them against the
seat) and be careful that you do not release the brakes prematurely or
asymmetrically
- recovery: Avax XC2 recovers from a full stall automatically after brakes are
fluently released. During correct recovery from a full stall the Avax XC2 shows no
extreme tendencies such as a strong surge in front of the pilot. In the case of the
brakes being released prematurely or too quickly there is a possible tendency for
the glider to surge ahead of the pilot. This can be corrected for by adequate
braking on both-sides simultaneously.
Caution: It is common that when brakes are released asymmetrically a massive
asymmetrical collapse may arise followed by a tendency to enter a spin.
5.3.5. Negative spin
- initiation: Slow down by braking to nearly minimum speed. Then pull a brake on
one side all the way down while simultaneously releasing the brake on the other
side. Because the stalled side falls back, the canopy suffers air flow separation
over one half of the wing which results in a spin and a rapid loss of altitude.

- recovery: Under normal circumstances Avax XC2 is capable of recovering from
a negative spin automatically when brakes are released.
Caution: In general when there is a very fast or a long-lasting rotation and when
the brakes are released too quickly, the canopy may shoot in front of the pilot
followed by a massive asymmetrical collapse.
Warning: In all regimes where the air flow is separated there is
always a rapid increase in sink rate and therefore a
substantial loss of altitude.
And remember: A wrong manoeuvre at the wrong time may change
a fairly easy situation into a dangerous problem and furthermore you are
exposing your glider to forces which may damage it. So practise your
pilot abilities for these special flight regimes only under the supervision of
your instructor and with a reserve parachute!
6. MAINTANENCE AND STORAGE
If you handle your glider with care and store it in a suitable place it can last you a
very long time. On the other hand neglecting maintenance, bad storage and the
use of unsuitable cleaning products can reduce the lifetime of your glider
significantly or may even make a dangerous subject of it.
You must keep to these rules:
•Choose a suitable area for your launches. Lines caught on roots or rocks lead to
unnecessary strain on the attachment tabs during inflation. Snagging lines may
rip the canopy tissue or damage lines.
•When landing, never let the canopy fall on its leading edge in front of the pilot.
The effect of these forceful collisions and the sudden pressure increase can
severely damage the air resistant coating of the canopy as well as weakening
the ribs and seams.
•Protect the canopy from unnecessary strain. Inconsiderate handling of your
glider, namely pulling it over grass, soil, sand or rocks, will significantly reduce
its lifetime and increase its air-porosity.

•When preparing the paraglider for launch or when ground handling, be sure
not to step on any of the lines or the canopy tissue.
•Don't tie any unnecessary knots in the lines. A packing method where special
knots are made in the lines as used on parachutes and reserve parachutes is
not suitable for packing the lines used on paragliders.
•Protect your canopy and lines from unnecessary exposure to sunlight. UV-rays
can damage many parts of a paraglider.
•Try not to pack your glider when wet! If there's no other way then dry it as
soon as possible but away from direct sunlight.
•Don't let your glider come into contact with sea water. If it does, rinse (the lines,
canopy and risers) with fresh water and dry before storing.
•After flight or when storing, always use the inner protection sack.
•When storing or during transport make sure your glider isn't exposed to
temperatures higher than 50 degrees Celsius.
•Never let the glider come into contact with chemicals. Clean the paraglider with
clean lukewarm water only.
•For long-term storage don't pack the glider too tightly and store it in a cold, dry
and well-ventilated room.
•After tree- or water landings always examine the glider carefully. If you suspect
that the flight features of your paraglider have changed, contact the nearest
authorised GRADIENT supplier as soon as possible.
•Durability of aramid uncovered lines is maximal 200 flying hours. After 200
flying hours all lines (excepting brake lines) must be replaced ! ! !
•After 200 flying hours or after 2 year at the latest your Avax XC2 must be
thoroughly checked and tested by the manufacturer or authorised GRADIENT
representative.

7. REPAIRS
Only small repairs may be done by the user which means repairs that don't
change the airworthiness of the paraglider. Among these are fixing small tears
(besides seams) up to 10 cm, changing damaged lines or the change of rubber
line-fixation-rings on the small carabiners.
When repairing your paraglider on your own keep the following rules:
•When repairing the sail use self-adhesive patch specified for this purpose. To
every Avax XC2 the manufacturer encloses an amount of self-adhesive material
which is enough for small repairs.
•The only admissible repairs done on lines are those where the damaged lines
are changed for new ones, exclusively supplied by GRADIENT or one of our
authorised dealers or service centre.
When putting an order for lines use the code indicators given in the diagram of
suspension lines. Also give the indicator XC2 and the size of the canopy of
your glider, i.e. XC2 24, XC2 26 or XC2 28, followed by the line code;
for example:
- the outside long line in row B for Avax XC2 26 : XC2 26 - B 1.3
- the front short stabilo-line for Avyx XC2 28 : XC2 28 - S 3.1
•An exception is changing a control line in the terrain. For this purpose the
manufacturer encloses a spare line with every Avax XC2 with a prepared loop
on one end. The right length should be adjusted according to the same line on
the opposite side of the canopy and then attach your break handle. As soon as
you can yourself swap the line for an original one from your authorised
GRADIENT service centre.
•After changing any lines, a thorough pre-flight check must be done! Don't
hesitate to ask an experienced colleague for help. If you're not sure, entrust the
job to an authorised GRADIENT dealer.
•If you have to replace any of the line-tidy rings (a spare ring is supplied with each
Avax XC2), don't forget to check that the lines haven't swapped places
accidentally and that they are returned to the small carabiner in the correct
order.

MIDDLE OF Avax XC2
Avax XC2Avax XC2
Avax XC2 - system of suspension
THE CANNOPY
3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12
2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6
ROW A
1.1 1.2 1.3
3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12
3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4
2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6
ROW B
2.1 2.2
1.1 1.2 1.3
3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12
2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6
ROW CS
1.1 1.2 1.3 1.1
3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12
2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4
ROW D
1.1 1.2
3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12
2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6
BREAKS R 1.1 1.2 1.3
0

8. CONCLUSION
Even though Avax XC2 has outstanding performance and stability, it must be
understood that every paraglider is an aircraft and that all airsports can be
relatively dangerous. Remember that your safety lies in your own hands and that
"lucky pilots are well prepared pilots".
Never underestimate weather conditions and never forget that you are flying for
pleasure and not to become a „fallen hero". Remember this and the fun that only
free-flying can bring will be yours.
We believe that your sensible attitude and the flight characteristics of your Avax
XC2 will combine to give you lots of fantastic flying.
GRADIENT wishes you many fabulous flights and happy landings.
ONDREJ DUPAL VÁCLAV SÝKORA