B737-800
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation - Speed All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Moments after level-off in ZZZZ airspace; the Captain's Primary Flight Display (PFD) lost all data. Only the artificial horizon; amber SPD flag and amber ALT flag remained. The First Officer PFD retained all data and the B autopilot remained engaged. About a minute after the loss of the Captain PFD; all information returned. A complete review of Airspeed Unreliable checklist was completed. About five minutes later; the problem returned for about double the time (2 minutes). We contacted Dispatch and had them bring 737 Maintenance into the crew phone app connection. After a brief discussion; it was determined the aircraft would be grounded at our destination ZZZZ1 and it would be best to return to ZZZ (350 miles away) to have the problem resolved. We landed in ZZZ uneventfully without declaring an emergency (the Captain's PFD was working normally during the descent and arrival). Background information: Two days prior to our departure; the AML noted a ladder had fallen on the Captain window and AOA (Angle Of Attack) vane. The Captain window was replaced.
B737-800 pilot reported loss of the Captain's PFD in cruise. After discussion with Dispatch and Maintenance; it was decided to perform and air turn back to prevent the aircraft from being grounded at an out station.