This recording was made during takeoff aboard Aer Lingus EI-DVH, an Airbus A320-200 powered by CFM56 engines. The buzzsaw nickname comes from the distinctive sound those engines make at high thrust, caused by fan blade tips interacting with the intake airflow. Aviation fans have shared the effect for years in plane spotting communities, flight simulator videos, and social media edits. Its short, punchy character keeps it popular as a recognisable cue for jet power, departure, and the excitement of getting airborne.
About this sound
The A320 buzzsaw sound is the distinctive CFM56 engine whine heard during takeoff on an Aer Lingus flight. Creators use it for aviation edits and travel memes.
This short clip captures the famous buzzsaw noise made by an Airbus A320 fitted with CFM56 engines as power increases for takeoff. It starts as a deep, grinding growl and quickly rises into a loud, raspy whine that seems to vibrate through the cabin. The tone is mechanical, intense, and instantly recognisable to frequent flyers and aviation enthusiasts. Even in less than a second, the burst conveys thrust, speed, and anticipation, making it feel much larger than its brief duration suggests in an edit.