Missing MAS flight: What happens in the cockpit

PETALING JAYA: At 12.41am, the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) red-eye service to Beijing takes off from the KL International Airport with over 200 sleepy passengers.

Once airborne, the autopilot that will fly the Boeing 777-200 aircraft according to the speed, direction and climb rate set by the pilot, is engaged. For the pilots, one of the priorities after take-off is to climb to the cruising altitude of about 10,668m (35,000ft) and ensure the aircraft maintains contact with ground control.