Narrative:

After takeoff we noticed we had a yellow 'rev' over top of the EPR gauge indicating that the reverser is unlocked. All indications were normal and that it must be an indication problem. Prior to departure we had MEL 78-36-X left full rev position indication. When we first saw the 'rev' we original thought it had to do with the MEL we departed with. When we started on our climb out; we talked about it and eventually decided that it was not the same issue and decided to call dispatch. After talking it over with maintenance; we decided to return. We notified ATC that we would like to go back. We didn't declare a emergency because all indications were normal and felt confident it was not necessary. After touchdown the 'rev' went away and never returned. We told the mechanics who met us that it might be an issue in the air ground logic since it came on at takeoff and turned off after landing. We are back at the ramp after our first air turn back. Maintenance decided to add MEL 78-31-X-X thrust reverser secured. The reverser is pined shut along with a circuit breaker pulled to remove power to the reverser. New flight papers are brought out and we are [ready to go]. Same destination as first flight. All the necessary papers and logbook sign offs are done. Just before I clear the maintenance guy off the head set I asked him if by pulling the circuit breaker the reverser lights are inhibited. He responded yes. The first officer and I both agreed that if the light came back after takeoff we are coming back. As soon as the airplane rotated the light returned and we notified ATC that we were coming back. I contacted flight control; and landed. As soon as we touched down the light went out. Told maintenance that it has to be in the air ground logic. They agreed and the airplane was out of service.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: B757-200 Captain reported a thrust reverser unlocked indication after takeoff and elected to return. The aircraft had been dispatched with a MEL for the left full reverse position indication. Maintenance locked the reverser closed and indicated the unlock light would not come on. However; it did come on and the flight returned again.

Narrative: After takeoff we noticed we had a yellow 'REV' over top of the EPR gauge indicating that the Reverser is unlocked. All indications were normal and that it must be an indication problem. Prior to departure we had MEL 78-36-X left full rev position indication. When we first saw the 'REV' we original thought it had to do with the MEL we departed with. When we started on our climb out; we talked about it and eventually decided that it was not the same issue and decided to call Dispatch. After talking it over with maintenance; we decided to return. We notified ATC that we would like to go back. We didn't declare a emergency because all indications were normal and felt confident it was not necessary. After touchdown the 'REV' went away and never returned. We told the mechanics who met us that it might be an issue in the air ground logic since it came on at takeoff and turned off after landing. We are back at the ramp after our first air turn back. Maintenance decided to add MEL 78-31-X-X thrust reverser secured. The reverser is pined shut along with a circuit breaker pulled to remove power to the reverser. New flight papers are brought out and we are [ready to go]. Same destination as first flight. All the necessary papers and logbook sign offs are done. Just before I clear the maintenance guy off the head set I asked him if by pulling the circuit breaker the reverser lights are inhibited. He responded yes. The FO and I both agreed that if the light came back after takeoff we are coming back. As soon as the airplane rotated the light returned and we notified ATC that we were coming back. I contacted flight control; and landed. As soon as we touched down the light went out. Told maintenance that it has to be in the air ground logic. They agreed and the airplane was out of service.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.