Air carrier departing sfo runway 1R described multiple ATC takeoff clearance cancellations involving...

Narrative:

Our flight was flow delayed and we were on taxiway left with engines shut down awaiting release. We were told to plan a takeoff at XA52z. At XA44 tower asked us to start engines; and if we could; be ready in 4 minutes because ATC was planning on reconfiguring the departure runways. We said we were able; and as we taxied to the hold short spot. An air carrier was given a takeoff clearance; then as they began their roll tower said cancel takeoff; they rejected their takeoff and repositioned for another departure as the tower requested. They were given takeoff clearance again and proceeded with takeoff and we were given position and hold. We taxied into position at power up spot. We were then given an immediate takeoff clearance. I set power to toga EPR as planned then the tower said takeoff clearance cancelled. I rejected takeoff at low speed; power had just been set; then used brakes lightly to easily clear runway at G exit. We were then asked to reposition on 1R for takeoff. Takeoff was uneventful. It seemed that tower was too anxious to get the runway closed for whatever reason and misjudged traffic separation.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Air carrier departing SFO Runway 1R described multiple ATC takeoff clearance cancellations involving both his aircraft and another departure; reporter indicated ATC may have been anxious to close a runway and misjudged separation required.

Narrative: Our flight was flow delayed and we were on Taxiway L with engines shut down awaiting release. We were told to plan a takeoff at XA52z. At XA44 Tower asked us to start engines; and if we could; be ready in 4 minutes because ATC was planning on reconfiguring the departure runways. We said we were able; and as we taxied to the hold short spot. An air carrier was given a takeoff clearance; then as they began their roll Tower said cancel takeoff; they rejected their takeoff and repositioned for another departure as the Tower requested. They were given takeoff clearance again and proceeded with takeoff and we were given position and hold. We taxied into position at power up spot. We were then given an immediate takeoff clearance. I set power to TOGA EPR as planned then the Tower said takeoff clearance cancelled. I rejected takeoff at low speed; power had just been set; then used brakes lightly to easily clear runway at G exit. We were then asked to reposition on 1R for takeoff. Takeoff was uneventful. It seemed that Tower was too anxious to get the runway closed for whatever reason and misjudged traffic separation.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 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.

Attributes
ACN	848665
Time
Date	200908
Local Time Of Day	1201-1800
Place
Locale Reference	SFO.Airport
State Reference	CA
Environment
Flight Conditions	VMC
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	Commercial Fixed Wing
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Takeoff
Flight Plan	IFR
Person 1
Function	Pilot Flying Captain
Experience	Flight Crew Last 90 Days 210 Flight Crew Total 17000 Flight Crew Type 500
Person 2
Function	First Officer Pilot Not Flying
Experience	Flight Crew Last 90 Days 200 Flight Crew Total 13600 Flight Crew Type 380
Events
Anomaly	ATC Issue All Types

Air carrier departing sfo runway 1R described multiple ATC takeoff clearance cancellations involving both his aircraft and another departure; reporter indicated ATC may have been anxious to close a runway and misjudged separation required.