I recall that the main reason for the obscene cost was with the printing of the ASIC itself. If this is still the case and hasn't been rectified in the last decade then it all must be a rort.
That's part of it. Capital outlay for the equipment to print ASICs is between $40K - $50K. The continual cost of Auscheck clearances is the killer at about $92.00 a pop. So when you take nearly half the cost out just for the Auscheck, then the time involved to input the data, process the application, post the card out or issue in person, no one is driving Mercedes and Porches from processing these things.
Cloudee,
That CASA information is incorrect. An ASIC clearance remains in force 2 years from the end of the month in which the clearance was issued. Which probably relates to the point Squawk is making. A clearance issued today 13/02/2019 would expire 28/02/2021. So you get the best bang for your buck if your clearance comes in early in the month rather than right at the end. Very frustrating when you see someone has waited a few weeks only to get their clearance on the last day of the month.
A further example of CASAs ignorance in relation to Aviation Security, on a number of occasions I know of, they advised foreign pilots flying in Australia that they didn't need an ASIC to exercise the privileges of their certificates of validation. What they didn't tell them though is that they could not be given unescorted access to security controlled airports during times which ASIC display is required. Not too surprising though as their appointed contractor who processes ASICs on their behalf still refers to DOTARS on their web home page.
