A300
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 30; Flight Crew Total 12000; Flight Crew Type 32
Troubleshooting; Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
MEL; Airspace Structure; Aircraft
We experienced several failures on takeoff. Below is a summary and sequence of what transpired. Our decision to return to ZZZ after takeoff was a decision determined along with flight control. With no altitude reporting on the transponder we would not be able to enter RVSM airspace. In addition because we lost captain; STBY and First Officer (FO) probe heat our altitude capability would be further constrained. The freezing level was 14;000.  While working through the ECAM; we coordinated with ATC for holding in VMC. Initially leveling at 230 then descending to 11;000 so that icing wouldn't be a factor. Holding was also necessary to burn fuel in order to land below max landing weight. We lowered gear and flaps to expedite fuel burn. ATC was informed of our speeds and altitude. On take off; the gear would not raise. We switched the position detection says switch and were able to raise the gear. No altitude reporting on the transponder. Pitch trim system one kicked off. Air Traffic Service (ATS) was intermittent. Probe heat failures captain; FO and STBY Total Air Temperature (TAT) and pitot. Captain flight director was inoperable. Once we checklist were complete and landing weight was achieved we returned to ZZZ for an uneventful landing.
The Captain of an Airbus A300 freighter reported experiencing multiple system failures after takeoff which precluded entering into icing conditions or RVSM airspace. A collaborative decision was made to abort the flight and return to the originating airport where an uneventful landing was accomplished.