EASA Warns A320neo Pilots of Potential Smoke Risks from LEAP Engines
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued new precautionary guidance to Airbus A320neo operators regarding the risk of smoke events related to CFM International LEAP-1A engines. While the Airbus A320neo-family aircraft have not experienced load-reduction device (LRD) activations to date, EASA is urging enhanced pilot preparedness following similar incidents on Boeing 737 MAX aircraft equipped with LEAP-1B engines.
The advisory was prompted by two recent smoke events on Boeing 737 MAX aircraft at Seattle (SEA) and Miami (MIA) airports. Investigations revealed that these events were linked to the activation of the LRD system—a safety mechanism designed to reduce engine structural loads in the event of severe fan blade imbalance or damage.
Although these smoke incidents occurred on 737 MAX aircraft and not on the A320neo fleet, EASA is taking a proactive stance due to the shared LEAP engine technology. The LEAP-1A engines used on A320neo aircraft are similar in architecture to the LEAP-1B engines on the 737 MAX, and both utilize LRDs.
Understanding the Smoke Risk
The LRD is intended to protect the engine by reducing loads during extreme vibration events. However, activation of this device can unintentionally allow oil to leak into the compressor section of the engine. When this oil contaminates the bleed air system, it can be introduced into the aircraft cabin and cockpit, causing visible smoke and posing potential risks to passenger and crew safety.
In both Boeing 737 MAX cases, the LRD activation triggered dense smoke in the cabin and cockpit, requiring immediate and coordinated crew action. While the Airbus A320neo-family has not recorded any LRD-induced smoke events, the possibility exists under similar mechanical conditions.
EASA’s Recommendations for A320neo Operators
EASA is advising A320neo operators to identify all aircraft in their fleets equipped with LEAP-1A engines fitted with LRDs. Pilots should be made aware of the potential for smoke events related to LRD activation and be trained to recognize and respond to such scenarios.
The agency emphasizes the importance of reviewing Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) procedures for engine failure and smoke removal. In the event of an LRD activation, isolating the affected engine’s bleed air system—or, if necessary, shutting down the engine—can help prevent smoke from entering the cabin and flight deck.
Operators are also encouraged to incorporate LRD-related smoke scenarios into both initial conversion and recurrent pilot training programs. Emphasizing these risk scenarios during simulator sessions will ensure flight crews are better equipped to manage smoke events and mitigate operational disruptions or safety concerns.
Ongoing Assessments and Possible Design Updates
Although EASA’s guidance is precautionary and not linked to any specific Airbus A320neo incident, the agency is actively collaborating with CFM International and Airbus to conduct a thorough safety review of the LRD system. These evaluations may lead to future design changes aimed at eliminating oil leakage pathways and improving containment measures in the event of LRD activation.
Until a permanent solution is developed, EASA will continue to monitor developments and may issue additional guidance as needed. The advisory underscores the importance of cross-platform vigilance when engine components are shared across different aircraft families.
This initiative highlights EASA’s commitment to early risk mitigation, even in the absence of direct incidents, and reinforces the critical role of proactive safety management in modern commercial aviation.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, aviationa2z.com