Annual check
When carrying out an annual check, the condition of all materials is assessed with the utmost care according to strict guidelines. At the end of the check, the overall condition of the paraglider is rated and recorded in a test report.
In line with our company philosophy we carry out our glider checks very carefully, so it should be understood that we need to plan for enough time to check each wing properly. Please note therefore, that the waiting time for a glider check is currently 2 weeks in Thun (CH) and 3 weeks in Oderen (FR).
- A new ADVANCE paraglider must be checked at least every 24 months.
- With intensive use (> 150 flights per year, > 150 flying hours per year, gliders used for acrobatics, training or tandem paragliders used professionally) checks must be performed annually after the first check
- If these guidelines are not observed, the ADVANCE warranty becomes null and void.
The following work will be performed by the ADVANCE Service Center during an annual check:
Identification
Once the paraglider has been handed over by the customer or flying school, a visual inspection of it is made in order to identify the glider on the basis of the official manufacturer documentation and the type data sheet.Measurement of the air permeability of the fabric
Next the porosity is determined at four different points on the upper surface. The values obtained are documented in a test report. The measurement points are 10-20 cm behind the leading edge of the paraglider.
Test of the tear strength of the fabric
The canopy strength test is performed with the Bettsometer. In this test, a pin-size hole is made in the upper surface in the area of the leading edge and the tear strength of the fabric tested.
General inspection of the line material
The main lines, the upper lines and brake lines are checked for tears, kinks, shear points, sheathing damage and heavy wear. Particular attention is paid to the integrity of the stitching.
Test of the line strength
The line strength is tested. For this purpose, lines are removed from several levels, mechanically snapped and subsequently replaced. If the minimum values are not achieved, all lines of the same type or diameter are replaced.
Measurement of line lengths
A measurement is made of the total line length of one wing half. Provided the conditions are the same, the measurement of the opposite wing side is undertaken by comparing the symmetry.
Test of the strength of the line attachment to the paraglider
The line attachments to the paraglider are checked for tears, shear points and stretching. Defective and conspicuous loops, flares and other line linkages will be repaired or replaced.
Test of the canopy material
The upper and lower surfaces as well as the leading edge and ribs (incl. any v-ribs that may be present), seams and flares are checked for tears, shear points, stretching, coating damage, repair points and other noticeable problems.
Testing and securing of connecting elements
All line maillons and any trimmers and speed systems that may be present are checked for noticeable problems such as tears, wear points and stiffness. Opened or inadequately secured connecting elements are secured against unintentional opening.
Test of the risers
Both risers are checked for shear points, tears and heavy wear, after which they are measured under load.
Check of the type approval plaque
The type approval plaque and the type plate are checked for legibility and correctness.
Preparation of the test report
All repair work on the paraglider is documented in full in the test report. The overall condition of the paraglider is rated prior to delivery and the testing documented by the application of a DHV test stamp on the paraglider, entering place, date, examiner and expiry date of the test.CHF EUR Annual check Annual complete check (1,2,3,4,5,6) without material 230.00 155.00 Annual special check – without line resistance test (for gliders with few flights only) 198.00 126.50 Inspections (1) Porosity check 20.00 13.00 (2) Line solidity (without material) 60.00 40.00 (3) Length of lines 80.00 65.00 (4) Visual wing check 80.00 50.00 (5) Visual lines check 80.00 50.00 (6) Visual check of attachment points 20.00 13.00 Visual inspection – according to costs / agreement 75.00/h 55.00/h Repair materials Fabric Ripstop/m1 15.40 12.00 Adhesive Ripstop, (6cm large)/m1 4.50 3.50 Replacement line for 3.level/pce (incl.work+post) 15.00 10.00 Replacement line for 1.,2.level/pce (incl.work+post) 10.00 7.00 Line for repair up to 30m/m1 1.90 1.50 Line for repair 30m onwards/m1 1.30 1.00 Test flight 100.00 75.00 Packing of the emergency reserve Emergency reserve (round) 75.00 55.00 Emergency reserve (stearable) 100.00 70.00 Please note the following points when despatching your paraglider to an ADVANCE Service Center:
- Enclose a completed ADVANCE Service Center order form with the package. You can download the form here and print it out.
- Mark any damaged points on the paraglider with suitable adhesive tape.
- Pack your paraglider well and place it in a cardboard box (as a safeguard against possible cuts) to ensure that it is well protected in transit. Provided this principle is applied, despatch by post is the fastest and safest method. Alternatively, you can also deliver your paraglider to us in person.
- Send your ADVANCE paraglider to ADVANCE in Thun (Switzerland) if you are resident in Switzerland or outside the EU area.
- Send your ADVANCE paraglider to ADVANCE in Oderen (France) if you are resident in the EU area.
- Major repairs will only be carried out during an annual check by prior agreement with you.
- In general ADVANCE will carry out the work within two weeks. In busy periods it can take up to three weeks. On completion, the paraglider will be returned cash on delivery together with a test report, unless other arrangements have been agreed in advance.
- The addresses of other ADVANCE certified workshops (Service Centres) can be found under Service Center.
