B737-700
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 297
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
During flap retraction on takeoff; the LE FLAPS TRANSIT light on the forward panel illuminated accompanied by all LE devices in transit on the overhead panel. Looking out the window; the devices were stuck out. We coordinated a slow climb at 210 - 220 KIAS to FL200 while complying with SID and ATC instructions. We referenced the QRH and contacted Dispatch and Maintenance. Initially; we considered [an alternate airport] for the diversion but the weather was raining with TCU and rain bands approaching from the south due to the tropical depression in the southeast. [A second alternate] was dry and clear. We were heading to (gulf coast city) with (another gulf coast city) as an alternate due to same weather system. We decided to burn gas in holding and land at [the second alternate] due to our heavy weight. While holding; we extended the flaps to 15 and the LE devices still were stuck with Number 8 in the green now. Our goal was to get the aircraft weight under 124;000 pounds to prevent a wheel fuse plug melt. While in holding at approximately 126;000 pounds; all LE devices extended and remained green. This reduced our approach speed to allow an uneventful flaps 15 landing. On taxi in; Maintenance advised to try and raise the flap and flap handle as part of normal after landing flow. The LE devices remained extended.
B737-700 Captain reported diverting to an alternate airport due to a leading edge flap anomaly.