Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Ground Conflict; Less Severe
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Rejected Takeoff
Human Factors; Procedure; Aircraft
[We were] cleared for takeoff Runway 31 at LGA. Landing traffic for Runway 22 was reported at 2.3 miles. After brake release we received a blocked radio call that was unreadable. A second radio call from Tower cancelled our takeoff clearance. At the same time I noticed a private jet approaching the over run [for Runway 22]. Takeoff was rejected somewhere between 60 KTS and 80 KTS. Reverser and manual braking were used and we exited the runway at Taxiway S prior to Runway 22. Flight attendants reported modest deceleration with no passenger complaints. We returned to Runway 31 for a normal takeoff. I think the aircraft on final was closer than 2.3 miles; but since it was a small private jet it appeared to be further away than it actually was. Takeoff spacing was too tight even if Tower had told us to be ready for an immediate takeoff. I think this was primarily a spacing problem but if we had received the first cancel takeoff clearance we would have had a rejected takeoff right after brake release.
B737 pilot reports being cleared for takeoff on Runway 31 at LGA then having the takeoff clearance canceled at 60 KTS due to traffic landing on Runway 22. The clearance may have been canceled earlier but the transmission from the Tower was blocked.