LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B borescope inspection: what differs from the CFM56
The LEAP replaced the CFM56 on the A320neo (LEAP-1A) and 737 MAX (LEAP-1B), and it rewards inspectors who treat it as a new engine rather than a hotter CFM56.
JTech Turbines inspection team · Published November 1, 2026 · Updated November 1, 2026
What is different
- Temperatures. The LEAP runs its hot section hotter for efficiency, so hot section hardware is inspected with that in mind and intervals follow the LEAP program, not CFM56 habit.
- Materials. Composite fan blades and new materials in the turbine section change what damage looks like and how it is judged; the LEAP AMM's limits and pictures are the reference.
- Combustor. A lean-burn combustor design with its own inspection criteria.
- Ports and access. The port map and the turning procedure are LEAP-specific.
What stays the same
The method: cooled engine, ports open, core rotated, every stage recorded on video, findings sized against the limit, status per module, inspector's signature. And the reason: the hot section carries the value, and transactions want evidence both sides can check.
Who inspects a LEAP
A technician authorised on the LEAP type with the right equipment and the current AMM. Authorisation on the CFM56 does not transfer automatically. Tell us the engine and we confirm capability before you book.
FAQ
- Is a LEAP borescope inspection longer than a CFM56 one?
- Comparable on wing; the write-up depends on findings.
- Do LEAP engines need more frequent borescope inspections?
- The intervals are set by the LEAP maintenance program and the operator's experience; follow the program and any manufacturer guidance.
- Can InspectView handle LEAP footage?
- The app sorts footage by stage for any engine with a configured port map; limits come from the manual the customer has indexed.
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Need the inspection, not just the article?
JTech Turbines performs borescope, GVI and QEC inspections on site, with reports drafted in InspectView and signed by the inspector. Email jruiz@jtechturbines.com and joel@jtechturbines.com, call +1 (786) 340-4404, or request an inspection at /services#request.
Tell us the engine and we confirm capability.