A320: difference between LEAP-1A and CFM56-5B4
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2020
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From: N/A
A320: difference between LEAP-1A and CFM56-5B4
Hello
Can any Airbus experts briefly explain the differences, if any, pilot-wise, between the LEAP-1A engine and the CFM56-5B4 ?
Any major difference if one gets trained in a simulator with the CFM56 and then flies a LEAP-1A in real life?
Thank you
Can any Airbus experts briefly explain the differences, if any, pilot-wise, between the LEAP-1A engine and the CFM56-5B4 ?
Any major difference if one gets trained in a simulator with the CFM56 and then flies a LEAP-1A in real life?
Thank you

Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,632
Likes: 134
From: USA
1. The new engine takes longer to start
2. Normal law blending between flight and ground modes changed slightly
3. Airbus got rid of the cell phone holders
Otherwise, same plane. Not sure why they bothered to change the ATC designation.
2. Normal law blending between flight and ground modes changed slightly
3. Airbus got rid of the cell phone holders

Otherwise, same plane. Not sure why they bothered to change the ATC designation.

Joined: Aug 1998
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 6,623
Likes: 845
From: Ex-pat Aussie in the UK
Quieter on take off and climb. Cruise and descent noise is mostly airflow noise, so is about the same.
The LEAP engines look cooler - and you can see through them.
The LEAP engines look cooler - and you can see through them.
Only half a speed-brake

Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 136
From: Commuting not home
Some say that chopping the thrust has stronger effect compared to the original, requiring an adjustment in flare technique. This would be more pronounced against the IAEs, however.
On top of that the pitch down THS below 27 ft is no longer there...
I realized trying to figure out and cope against the various handling characteristics probably distracts me from making the plane do what I need it to. Comparatively best results achieved by just flying the thing without much thinking at all.
On top of that the pitch down THS below 27 ft is no longer there...
I realized trying to figure out and cope against the various handling characteristics probably distracts me from making the plane do what I need it to. Comparatively best results achieved by just flying the thing without much thinking at all.
Last edited by FlightDetent; 5th April 2021 at 09:08.





