Regional Jet 700 ER/LR (CRJ700)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Human-Machine Interface
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Rejected Takeoff
Aircraft; Human Factors
As soon as we applied takeoff power and just at or after break release we noticed that the ED1; ED 2; FMS and RTU screens were blank. We pulled the power back; executed the memory items; followed the rejected takeoff checklist and exited the runway.We then adjusted the display rheostat and the back lights came [back] on. I believe I bumped the rheostat with the pen in my hand or my hand. We both manipulated the knob several times to replicate the conditions. We performed all necessary checklists; notified Dispatch and completed the flight without incident. Our training prepares us to make safe and fast decisions under high workload/mental saturation conditions. The decision to abort was easy as the safety of the abort was never in question and we were missing most of our display screens.
The flight crew of a CRJ-700 immediately rejected their takeoff when they noted they had lost most of their multi function displays as takeoff thrust was being applied. They determined the associated rheostat had been inadvertently dimmed during final takeoff preparations.