B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 198
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
After completing the After Takeoff Checklist the crew noticed an asymmetrical flap indication. It appeared the malfunction was within tolerance. Crew kept the airspeed at minimum maneuvering speed; completed the After Takeoff Checklist; and then called Maintenance Control. After discussing the problem; Maintenance advised that it probably was an indication problem and not an asymmetrical flap condition. Both rudder and aileron trim indications were normal. Captain enlisted the help of a deadheading pilot to look at the flaps and report back. The deadheading pilot advised the Captain that the flaps looked symmetrical but that the flaps did not look completely fared with the wing. The Captain thought this could be a rigging issue and not an asymmetrical flap issue however was not confident a safe landing could be made at the departure airport. The plane was tankering an extra 10;000 pounds of fuel. The weather there was VFR; 37 degrees Celsius; and forecast for gusty wind conditions. Given the current and forecast weather conditions and the advice from Maintenance Control; the Captain elected to continue to destination. The crew elected to cruise at a lower altitude and slower speed due to the abnormality. After crossing the first fix Maintenance Control sent a message to the crew indicating the flaps were locked out due to the abnormality. The Captain called Maintenance Control again. Maintenance advised that the flaps were probably locked out but there was no way of knowing for sure until the flaps were selected to 1. The Captain determined to continue to destination as this was as safe or safer than landing short. The Duty Manager advised the Captain that air traffic control was notified. Upon arriving at the approach environment; the flaps were selected to 1. The flaps did not move. The Captain declared an emergency. The crew executed the Flaps-Trailing Edge Flaps Asymmetry checklist followed by the Flaps-Trailing Edge Flaps Up Landing checklist. The landing was uneventful.
B737 Captain reports noticing shortly after takeoff an asymmetrical flap indication.  Maintenance is contacted and with strong gusty winds at the departure airport and extra fuel onboard; it is decided to continue to destination at lower altitude and airspeed. The trailing edge flaps cannot be moved during approach and a trailing edge flaps up landing ensues.