A300
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft
On climb out passing 10;500 feet MSL at climb power; Pilot Flying identified FUEL CLOG light illuminated on number 1 engine without ECAM message. We elected to level off at 12;000 feet MSL and as the thrust reduced the FUEL CLOG light extinguished. Once stabilized at altitude and on a vector with ATC; we searched the QRH guidance regarding a fuel clog. We could not find direction other than systems knowledge and we determined there was potential for contaminated fuel. We contacted maintenance personnel but they did not have additional guidance. We elected to return to ZZZ. We coordinated an in-flight divert but did not request assistance or priority. The approach and landing were completed without further incident. From an operations point of view it would be nice to have something in the QRH with some guidance. In my view; any light or ECAM message that can possibly come up or illuminate should have a reference in the QRH. Even if it is minimal; it would give us as aircrew a starting point. We can always execute judgment; but would be nice to know what the company and engineers have to say about a specific malfunction. If they thought it was important enough to install a light in the cockpit; there should be guidance to the pilots on how to interpret that light.
The systems brief in the POH summarized that the fuel filter was being bypassed and there was potential for contaminated fuel.
A300 flight crew reported a FUEL CLOG warning during climb and subsequent return to base.