B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation - Speed All Types; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft
During the before take off check we got a FLT CON light with an AUTO SLAT FAIL on the overhead panel. We requested a place to park and called Maintenance. I made a PA explaining the delay. After reviewing the MEL and receiving the copy via printer from [maintenance] we continued. After a normal takeoff; I lost vertical then lateral guidance on the flight director. While cross checking with the first officer's air speed and the standby indicator; and making sure we were climbing and at a correct speed; I deviated from the course for the departure. ATC gave us a heading. We continued the climb and [I] transferred control [since] the first officer's indications appeared normal. We started evaluating our inoperative indicators; planning on contacting [maintenance] at a safe altitude to look at our options (continue; land short for repair; or return). As we climbed through FL270 we started getting intermittent stick shaker with my airspeed tape turning red. We leveled off and requested a lower altitude. At this point we decided to return to [departure airport]. We contacted [local maintenance]. Sent messages to [maintenance] and dispatch. Passenger PAs were made. At lower altitude we had no stall warnings. We held west to bring the landing weight down. With the First Officer flying we had a normal approach and landing.
[Report narrative had no additional information]
A B737 flight crew reported experiencing multiple system anomalies that prompted their return to departure airport.