Advance Progress & Easiness reserve handles

SAFETY NOTICE
Reserve handle check is required for PROGRESS 3 & EASINESS 2 harnesses
This notice applies to PROGRESS 3 harnesses with serial numbers lower than 1147390, and EASINESS 2 harnesses with serial numbers lower than 1147140. The reserve handle must immediately be inspected by pilots of these har- nesses. The serial number of the harnesses can Be found on the back of the logo label next to the carrying handle on top of the rucksack. If this inspection is not satisfactory it is essential that the reserve handle and reserve container be changed before the next flight. Replacements will be provided by ADVANCE free of charge.
The reason for this notice is an incident with a PROGRESS 3 harness. When the reserve handle was pulled the yellow plastic release splint came away from the handle, so that the reserve parachute could not be released. In this case the pilot was, fortunately, not injured.
Initial internal investigations have shown that the attachment of the cable to the handle may have a defect which could be related to manufacturing procedure. Other harness models are not affected by this. Other PROGRESS 3 and EASINESS 2 harnesses (with serial numbers greater than the serial numbers above) are expressly not affected either, as from July 2018 the release handle in question was manufactured with different material and different processing.
As it cannot be ruled out with certainty that this is an isolated case, ADVANCE is launching a precautionary recall of all reserve parachute handles and reserve parachute containers on EASINESS 2 (serial numbers less than 1147140) and PROGRESS 3 (serial numbers less than 1147390) harnesses where the split pin cable cannot withstand a load of approx. 10-12 kg. Below we provide instructions for a simple test to determine whether the reserve parachute handle can withstand this required deployment force.
If the test is not satisfactory and the reserve parachute handle is affected, a new handle including container can be ordered free of charge at www.advance.swiss/en/recall/progress3_easiness2
We apologise to all affected PROGRESS 3/EASINESS 2 customers for any inconvenience caused by this safety notice. Reliable equipment and high quality workmanship have been ADVANCE‘s top priority for over 30 years. We continue to focus on the highest quality product and its assurance, and will continue to improve this continuously.
If you have any questions or doubts as to how to proceed, please contact ADVANCE or your dealer directly. Thun, 31 May 2024
ADVANCE Thun AG Tel. +41 (0)33 225 70 10 info@advance.ch Uttigenstrasse 87, 3600 Thun www.advance.swiss support@advance.ch

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Instructions for the PROGRESS 3 and EASINESS 2 reserve parachute handle check
For PROGRESS 3 harnesses with a serial number lower than 1147390 and EASINESS 2 harnesses with a serial number lower than 1147140. Carry out the check on your reserve parachute handle according to the following instructions.
Tools required
• (Disposable) rubber gloves to prevent the cable from slipping out of your hand.
• Weight 10-12 kg, e.g. a rucksack or bag filled with weight in the form of 1.5 litre PET-bottles, sandbags or
other items.
• Line and possibly a carabiner to attach the weight.
• Reserve handle incl. inner container.
Preparation
1. Pull the reserve out of the harness.
2. Take the reserve parachute out of its inner container.
3. Attach the weight 10-12 kg to the reserve handle by a carabiner and/or line.
4. Put on a glove so that the yellow cable does not slip out of your hand, grasp it on one side of the handle and lift it until the entire weight is lifted from the ground.
5. Repeat step 4 with the yellow cable on the other side of the handle..
IMPORTANT: The yellow cable must not be gripped with pliers or similar metal devices. This can damage its smooth surface and jamb subsequent releases.
ADVANCE Thun AG Tel. +41 (0)33 225 70 10 Uttigenstrasse 87, 3600 Thun www.advance.swiss
info@advance.ch support@advance.ch

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Assessment of the test result
1. The cable must not have any play or be able to be moved off centre. A minimal movement of approx. 2 mm is permissible due to the elasticity of the fabric.
2. If the cable can be pulled out on one side and not on the other, the handle and container must be replaced.
3. If the cable can be moved such that its sewing or threads are visible or frayed, the handle and container must be replaced without question.
4. Replace the container if you are not sure. This applies for any uncertainty, if you suspect point 2 or 3 or the test is inconclusive.
If the test fails and the reserve parachute handle needs to be replaced, you can order it free of charge by stating the serial number at www.advance.swiss/en/recall/progress3_easiness2
When you have received the new handle and inner container, have your reserve parachute put back into the container and installed in the harness by a specialist.
ADVANCE Thun AG Tel. +41 (0)33 225 70 10 info@advance.ch Uttigenstrasse 87, 3600 Thun www.advance.swiss support@advance.ch