B757-200
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Distraction; Situational Awareness; Time Pressure
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Rejected Takeoff
Human Factors
Distracted by discussions about the long line for takeoff; fuel requirements for the next leg and possible delays if we did not 'tanker' enough fuel out of Paris; we missed setting the flaps in the before takeoff checklist. At approximately 45 KIAS we received a configuration alert and began a rejected takeoff around 60 KIAS. We cleared the runway at the first high speed taxiway; performed all the checklists appropriate to complete the rejected takeoff (to include brake cooling charts) and set the aircraft up for takeoff again; taxied back to the runway holding point; and departed uneventfully. Lesson learned on completing the checklists early; and before discussing down-range issues.I believe I allowed my concern for fuel down-range to distract me from normal checklist flow. It being my first time operating this sequence; the note about extended delays for fuel at the first stop and my awareness that a long line for departure could result in us landing with less than required for the subsequent leg; somehow I began thinking that through before I called for normal checklists. My First Officer; who had flown this sequence before; had good input for me on the fuel situation; and perhaps my questions to him distracted him from catching the checklists. I take full responsibility for the error.Good reminder for me as a new Captain: The here and now is more important than the there and later; meaning get my required normal checklists and briefings out of the way before I allow a down-range topic to be discussed. As I solidify my habits and routines in this jet that is new to me; prioritize getting required items done as early as possible to prevent my crew from errors of distraction.
B757 Captain reports becoming distracted by fuel considerations for the next leg and forgets to call for the before takeoff checklist. The flaps are never set and the takeoff warning sounds at 45 knots; resulting in a rejected takeoff.