Facts to consider from Air-Asia:
Before take-off the pilot of
QZ8501 had asked for permission to fly at a higher altitude to avoid the
storm, but his request was not approved due to other planes above him
on the popular route, according to AirNav, Indonesia's air traffic
control.
In
his last communication, the pilot said he wanted to change course to
avoid the menacing storm system. Then all contact was lost, about 40
minutes after the plane had taken off.
- International search effort -
