Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution
Aircraft
After takeoff; in our climb; smoke was detected in the cockpit. The smoke was coming from the First Officer's yoke. We also started to have BAT DISCHARGE caution light come on multiple times. Followed appropriate check list and QRH procedures. Decided to go back to the airport. We got clearance to go directly to the airport and got vectors for ILS. All the appropriate procedures and check list were completed before landing; with verification of speeds and weight. After an uneventful landing; we did not need any further assistance; and went to our parking spot.
Advised ATC due to smoke in cockpit. Returned to [departure airport]. QRH was read; approach was briefed and setup. Checklists were followed. Uneventful landing was made under maximum weight. Battery discharge light annunciated several times during the event. First Officer smelled electric burning; then noticed smoke. Caution light annunciation and battery discharge light noticed during normal scan. I should have waited and asked ATC to standby before announcing the aircraft condition. This would have given time for the crew to evaluate all resources and outcomes before making a decision.
B737-800 flight crew reported returning to departure airport after experiencing smoke from the First Officer yoke and a battery discharge annunciation.