EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument
Time Pressure; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution
Aircraft; Weather
Climbing through 16;000 ft after departing from ZZZ I noticed what appeared to be a 6 inch crack in the captain's windscreen. Neither the Captain nor myself had seen it before that moment. We stopped our climb at 17;000 and told ATC. We decided to return to ZZZ and [requested priority]. The Captain had me run the QRH for cracked windscreen. He informed the flight attendant; dispatch; and the passengers. After some delay vectors to burn fuel to get under max landing weight we landed back at ZZZ.
During climb out; First Officer pointed out what appeared to be a crack in the Captain's windshield. We decided to return to ZZZ. After burning fuel down to acceptable landing weight; we had a normal landing and taxi to gate. On the ground; Maintenance determined it was a scratch and within limits. The scratch was almost impossible to see while the windshield was wet in the rain; [and] we didn't see it until we were in the air above the clouds.If we had a note or list of damage on the aircraft that is already noted and acceptable; it would help crews avoid maintenance diversions.
EMB145 flight crew reported what they thought was a cracked window.  They returned to the departure airport and had aircraft checked by maintenance to reveal it was a scratch within tolerance.