EMB ERJ 170/175 ER/LR
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument
Situational Awareness; Human-Machine Interface
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Rejected Takeoff; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
After taking Runway XX I asked my student (FO) (First Officer) if he was ready and transferred the controls to him. We received the cleared for takeoff call from the Tower and we began our takeoff. The FO advanced the thrust levers and called for 'check thrust'. I verified the thrust and assumed control of the thrust levers. As I adjusted my scan back to the roll; I noticed that the auto throttle 'AT' indication was flashing and that the 'HOLD' indication did not appear as we passed 60 knots. At the same time a large flock of birds took off further down the runway in the takeoff path. At that time with multiple abnormalities occurring; I made the decision to reject the takeoff. We were below 80 knots and performed the rejected takeoff procedure IAW AOM1. After exiting the runway; I informed Tower of the situation and requested to taxi back to the runway. I then called the flight attendants to advise them of the issue and I also made a PA to the passengers informing them of the reject and to stay seated. We taxied back to the runway and held short for about 15 minutes to allow our brakes to cool. During this time; I explained to the FO that he had advanced the thrust levers past TOGO into max thrust which caused the auto throttles to disengage and go into max thrust. I also took the time to go over AOM1 procedures for takeoff.After our brakes had cooled to safe temperatures and checking our fuel we requested takeoff from the Tower. I performed the takeoff to demonstrate proper thrust lever movements to the student FO. After cleaning up the airplane and performing the after-takeoff checklist I called to arm the autopilot. Once the autopilot was engaged; I transferred the controls back to the FO and continued the flight without further incidence.[The cause was] improper power setting by pilot flying and large flock of birds in airport vicinity. [Suggestions include to] ensure proper thrust lever control from student FO [and] something to prevent large formations of birds near the airport.
Captain performed a rejected takeoff due to abnormal thrust indications and birds in flight path.