McDonnell Douglas Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Aircraft
Took off with flaps 15.2 degrees on dial a flap as per the performance software. I was the flying pilot; and called for flaps up at the appropriate time. First Officer (FO) could not get them to move. He tried multiple times at which time we switched roles; I tried multiple times and they were stuck. We leveled off at 10;000 ft and worked the problem. [Maintenance] was called they said follow QRH. There is none. We continued to try and move the flaps up or down. Finally called [dispatch] and said we would come back to be safe. Were near Maximum Gross Landing Weight (MGLW). As we headed back towards the departure airport all of a sudden I was able to get the flap handle to move and cycle up and down. Problem solved!! We [then] headed to our destination. We had a lot of extra gas with multiple other fields should the problem arise again.I truly believe the flaps/slats were locked out due to taking off with 15.2 degrees. I have never taken off with a flap setting that high. A write up was made.
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A Large McDonnell Douglas widebody flight crew reported encountering a flap mechanical issue after takeoff. Problem resolved itself and the flight continued to its destination.