MD-82
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; General Maintenance Action; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
After takeoff and passing approximately 7;000 FT the 'Tail Compartment Temp High' light came on for a few seconds then went out and cycled on then off twice more.  Decided to declare an emergency and returned to departure airport for an uneventful landing. After landing the aircraft was checked by ARFF and cleared to the gate.  Maintenance found three air leaks in the tail compartment and an outside air temp of 42 degrees Celsius contributed to the situation.
[Narrative #2 contained no additional information.]
The flight crew of an MD-82 received an intermittent 'Tail Compartment Temp High' warning during climb out; declared an emergency; and returned to the departure airport for maintenance action.