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A paraglider’s lifespan depends mainly on its total number of flights and flying hours. The effects of ultraviolet light, heat, humidity, incorrect storage or unsuitable transport have a strong effect as well. Contrary to widely held belief light coloured fabric is no more sensitive to UV light than dark. All fabrics used by ADVANCE have – in any colour - the same lifespan where resistance and quality are concerned.
The biggest influences on the lifespan of the materials are repeated structural stress when landing (glider goes down on its nose), ground handling on stony ground, or always folding the wing in the same places when the glider is packed. The paraglider’s lifespan can be significantly extended by the right care and correct folding techniques.
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A new ADVANCE glider has to have a check every 24 months. With intensive use (more than 150 flights per year, use by acro-pilots, school gliders or professional tandem work) an annual check is necessary after the first 2 year check. After an unusual event (tree landings etc.) your glider has to be checked without fail. If these guidelines are not followed your ADVANCE warranty will not be valid. Paraglider checks are carried out by ADVANCE itself or one of its authorised service centres.
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Paraglider checks and repairs are carried out directly by ADVANCE in Thun (Switzerland) and Oderen (France). There are dealers and importers in other countries who can also carry out checks. Find your nearest service centre on the ADVANCE homepage.
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It’s best to let your dealer or an authorised service centre change the line for you - but if you have to change it yourself be sure to follow the instructions below. You can find the line plan for your wing in the handbook, or under ‘Products’ on this website. Make a note of the identity of the damaged line and order a replacement from your dealer, or direct from ADVANCE.
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The length of the brake line must not be altered, and brake handles should really be changed by a dealer or at an authorised Service Centre. If you do loosen a brake handle, however, we recommend a bowline knot for re-attaching it. Make sure that the brake line finishes up at the correct length, and has the necessary free play.
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If your glider wants to turn to one side the cause is often an unsymmetrically adjusted harness or the effect of a side mounted reserve as well. Try to compensate for the weight of the reserve by a slight (deliberate) asymmetric adjustment of the harness. If you have other problems (bad takeoff behaviour, reluctant handling) go to your ADVANCE dealer.
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Remove dirt with a soft sponge. Only use fresh water and neutral soap, if necessary – never solvents or cleaning agents. The remnants of glue left behind by posters or numbers are best removed with talcum (baby) powder. Leave the wing to dry in the shade, never in the blazing sun. Don’t use a hairdryer.
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If the glider has come into contact with sea water rinse it thoroughly with fresh water. Let the wet glider dry while fully laid out, at room temperature, in the shade. A canopy’s flying behaviour can be drastically altered if it is wet.
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If you have to store your glider for several weeks or months you should observe the following:
- The wing should not be packed or compressed too tightly in its bag.
- The inner and outer glider bags should be left partly opened; so that excess humidity can escape.
- Keep the glider in a dry, dark and cool place.
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Most parachute manufacturers recommend an inspection and repack every 6 months, so that emergency opening will be quick and reliable. Your reserve should only be packed and installed by a trained and qualified person. In addition, ADVANCE strongly recommend that (on the harness) the release pins, eyelets, loops and Velcros (handle, outer container) are checked every 3 months. To do this it is sufficient to open and close the Velcro, and move the pins in their loops. Most importantly, this check should be carried out regularly when flying near the sea, or if the harness touches the snow in the winter.
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Paragliders & Products
Service
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