B737-300
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 181; Flight Crew Type 10500
Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Ground Conflict; Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Rejected Takeoff
Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors; Procedure
LAS was running their normal routine of clearing aircraft into position on the runway and confirming the preceding aircraft is in sight. We were cleared to line up and wait on 25L as another carrier began their takeoff roll. As the other carrier began; what appeared to us; it's rotation Tower cleared us for takeoff. As the aircraft began to roll and pick up speed; Tower cancelled our takeoff and I conducted a low speed rejection at approximately 70 KIAS. Autobrakes never engaged during the maneuver. The reason for the cancelled clearance was the other carrier had conducted a high speed rejected takeoff. We taxied clear of the runway and determined that we needed 25 minutes of brake cooling time. We coordinated with Ground to wait the required time. Dispatch and Maintenance were informed of the rejected takeoff. After the required cooling time and in our new flow time window; the flight was continued without further incident.Usually it is very easy to determine when the preceding aircraft has completed its rotation and is flying; however; in this case; due to the low sun angle in our face it was difficult to determine. We assumed that the other carrier had completed its rotation when Tower cleared us for takeoff and put our attention to flying our aircraft. While I understand the desire to launch aircraft in an efficient and timely manner; LAS Tower Controllers need to step back and evaluate if they are trying to launch aircraft too close together and in turn; compromising safety.
B737 Captain reports being cleared to line up and wait on Runway 25L at LAS; then cleared for takeoff with the previous departure in sight. The previous aircraft appears to rotate into the setting sun and the reporter begins his takeoff. The previous aircraft rejects and the Tower calls for the reporter to reject; which is accomplished at low speed.