A320
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft; Human Factors
Shortly after takeoff; while retracting flaps; we got an amber ECAM alert that indicated the left side slats had not retracted. ECAM action was to recycle flap lever. We leveled at 10;000 FT and slowed to 210-220 KTS then recycled the flap lever several times; but failed to fix the problem. During that time we also tried to contact company on ACARS and the SAT phone; but had no luck. Was later told power was out at operations at that time. After about 10 minutes of trying to troubleshoot on our own with no company communication available; we decided to return to our departure airport for an overweight landing. We did not declare an emergency.
Upon receipt of an ECAM slat message during flap retraction; the flight crew of an A320 attempted to contact their company for assistance; but were unsuccessful. They then returned to their departure airport.