Glider inspection
Your OMEGA ULS must be checked every 24 months, 100 flying hours or 100 flights, whichever comes first. The check should be carried out by an authorised ADVANCE check centre, according to the recommended guidelines.
When carrying out a periodic glider inspection, the condition of all materials is assessed with the utmost care according to strict guidelines. At the end of the inspection, the overall condition of the paraglider is rated and recorded in a test report. If these guidelines are not observed, the extended ADVANCE warranty becomes null and void.
Overstress
When using the product there is always the risk of unpredictable overstress in flight, for example caused by flying conditions or a surprise bump in the air. In rare cases the product could suffer damage. This is especially disappointing in that, usually, neither the manufacturer nor the pilot can be held responsible. Light products tend to be more susceptible to damage due to overstress.
Repairs
Repairs in general
A paraglider is a lifting surface of complex construction. Seams and lines have been made with great precision. In general, therefore, an unauthorised individual should not carry out paraglider repairs. Only the manufacturer or an authorised Service Organisation should replace components with identical parts, or refit complete cells.
Small repairs become exceptions to this principle. Examples could be repairs to small tears or holes with self-adhesive Ripstop material, or replacing lines. In every case of repair or line change the paraglider must be pulled up on the ground before its next flight, and visually checked.
Your paraglider is delivered with a repair kit containing self-adhesive Ripstop. Other parts, such as lines, quicklinks, softlinks or risers can be obtained from your ADVANCE dealer, an ADVANCE Service Center or direct from ADVANCE. Addresses are on www.advance.swiss.
Canopy Repairs
Tears up to 3 cm in length, and very small holes that do not meet a seam, can be patched with the self-adhesive Ripstop from your repair kit. Make sure than the patch is cut out in a round or oval shape, and is big enough to generously overlap the damage. The similar piece of sticky Ripstop on the inside of the repair should be of a different size.
Line repairs
A damaged line must be changed, without exception. The easiest option is to go to an ADVANCE Service Centre or your ADVANCE dealer. Alternatively you can order the specific replacement line direct from ADVANCE or an ADVANCE dealer and fit it yourself. All the addresses are on: www.advance.swiss. Under “Service” on www.advance.swiss there are detailed instructions for identifying your line so that you can order it, and then fit it correctly on the wing.
What to do if the leading edge gets damaged?
If a leading edge wire breaks or its seam rips the glider must be taken to an ADVANCE checking facility where the wire can be replaced or sewn back in. To guarantee a long lifespan it is important that the wing is not allowed to fall on its leading edge after landing, otherwise the fabric can be damaged by abrasion. But mainly there is a risk, as in all paragliders, that the crossports could tear.
Disposal
Environmental protection plays an important role in the selection of materials and the manufacture of an ADVANCE product. We use only non-toxic materials and fabrics that are subjected to continuous quality and environmental impact assessments. When your equipment reaches the end of its useful life, please remove all metal parts (recycling) and dispose of straps and material in the designated facilities.