Emergency Directive for CFM LEAP-1A Engines Issued by FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a crucial airworthiness directive on December 12, 2025. This directive mandates immediate inspections of specific CFM LEAP-1A engines. This decision was made following reports of two in-flight shutdowns, which were linked to cracks in high-pressure turbine rotor blades.
Effective from December 29, 2025, the directive requires operators to carry out initial and repetitive borescope inspections of high-pressure turbine (HPT) rotor stage 1 blades on the affected engines. The CFM LEAP-1A engine, a product of the CFM International joint venture between GE Aerospace and France’s Safran, powers thousands of Airbus A320neo family aircraft worldwide.
Investigation findings revealed cracks in HPT rotor stage 1 blades, prompting this emergency action. The LEAP engine program is central to both GE Aerospace’s growth strategy and the broader commercial aviation industry’s fleet modernization efforts. This makes the directive particularly significant for airlines and operators.
The CFM LEAP engine family is one of the most widely adopted powerplants in modern commercial aviation. The LEAP-1A variant is specifically designed for the popular Airbus A320neo series. The directive affects a subset of engines based on serial numbers and operating history.
For airlines, the new inspection requirements add operational complexity during the busy winter travel season. However, the FAA emphasized that the directive is essential for maintaining flight safety. GE Aerospace has been working closely with customers to minimize operational disruption while ensuring compliance with the new inspection protocols.