Saab has an engineering solution that will enable operators of its Saab 340B to fly at maximum capacity on most flights even with the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) new passenger weight standards.

By next August, all airlines must have a program complying with the FAA's new advisory circular on aircraft weight and balance control. Based on passenger surveys, the FAA calculates that the average summer passenger load is 190 pounds per person, which includes carry-on items (CRAN, Nov. 8).

After a preliminary engineering study, Saab has determined its 340B can carry 1,000 additional pounds at takeoff with minimal structural improvements, said Erik Harrweg, Saab's customer service director. The heavier payload capability will enable the plane to carry 35 passengers fully loaded with fuel for a 400-mile trip.

Harrweg said the change would make the plane more efficient. Under its current certification, a Saab 340 can only carry 33 or 34 passengers when loaded with fuel for a 400-mile trip. Since most of the 340Bs flown in the U.S. are configured for 35 seats, an operator cannot always sell every seat.

The operators of other turboprops and regional jets will have to operate the planes with a few unsold seats not available for sale in order to comply with the new weight standards.

It will take Saab an estimated 21 months once the first order is placed before the revamped plane would be delivered. The timeframe includes the engineering work needed to facilitate the change. The FAA will need to recertify the plane.

Saab has not determined the price tag for the alterations.

While it has just begun making the pitch to operators, Harrweg believes Saab should have some orders by January.

Saab operators, as well as others operating older turboprops, will face a difficult decision as the new weight deadline approaches, said Doug Abbey, a regional aviation consultant with The Velocity Group. "With a 10- 15- 20-year-old aircraft there is a question if it's even viable to make changes," he said. "It amounts to being a judgment call on a case-by-case basis. A small select number will say, 'yes,'" Abbey told Regional Aviation News and make structure changes like Saab is now marketing. "Many others will say, 'no.'"

>>Contacts: Erik Harrweg, Saab, (703) 406-7239; Doug Abbey, The Velocity Group, (202) 338-1727.<<