Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Total 15000; Flight Crew Type 5580
Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Aircraft; Human Factors
Cleared to descend directly to 3000 FT on downwind and to slow to 210K. I called for flaps 1; then we got an EICAS LE SLAT DISAGREE. Flap indicator stopped halfway between 0 and 1. First Officer (F/O) pulled out checklist; I declared 'I've got the plane and the radios' and told ATC we had a mechanical issue and would like to level at 4000 FT and stay on heading. I asked for a long final once we got things squared away. Traffic was light; we were above a cloud deck; there were no weather issues and we had 10000 [pounds] of gas; about 1.5 hours worth. F/O tried retracting flaps but nothing happened as system was locked out (as designed). Checklist completed; F/O then contacted Dispatch to get landing data for abnormal landing configuration. While waiting for response; he wrote up the ELB for the EICAS message and looked up the landing data. ATC vectored us around in a big left turn oval. Didn't hear back from Dispatch; thought possible datalink problem; and opted to continue inbound without taking time to make voice contact with Dispatch as everything was under control and aircraft was flying fine. I gave the aircraft and radios to the F/O; then talked to purser; telling her of our issue; planning a normal landing in 10-15 minutes. Took back plane; F/O then told ATC [that we were] ready to be vectored inbound for landing; SOBs 170; 1.5 hours of fuel. I then had us extend flaps to 20; knowing it would take a long time using the electrics. F/O had time to type a last message to Dispatch that we...were inbound for landing; Dispatch responded he 'would inform everyone.' I dropped the gear...and slowed to approach speed; kept it on autopilot until 500 FT. Good landing between 1000 FT -1500 FT markers; full reverse; really didn't need Auto Brakes 3 after all.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
B757 Flight Crew reported that the alternate flap procedure was used after an EICAS LE SLAT DISAGREE was received on a downwind vector for landing.