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 harnesses. 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.
You can check the serial number of your EASINESS 2 or PROGRESS 3 in the form. If your harness is affected and the reserve parachute handle test is negative, you can order a new handle with inner container free of charge here.