ASE & MSE

We conduct flask air samplings using Manual air Sampling Equipment (MSE), which consists of a manual diaphragm pump, a plastic tube, and 12 flasks. Japan Airlines personnel or a researcher is onboard JAL’s aircraft and manually collects air samples. Sample air is taken from the air outlet nozzle in the cockpit, through which fresh outside air comes out (Figure 1). This sampling method is similar to that employed in the JMA aircraft observation for Minamitorishima (Tsuboi et al., 2013; Niwa et al., 2014).

We adopt this MSE sampling method when ASE sampling cannot be operated due to changes in aircraft assignment. Before every MSE sampling onboard, we need a number of procedures including contacts to ground crews at airports, security checks on MSE and so on. During an MSE observation, flight safety is secured as an usual flight.