Originally Posted by VH-XXX
If a pilot has an ASIC, does this mean that they don't need a photo licence, thus no actual piece of paper saying that they have a pilot's licence?
Huh? They still have a pilot's licence, of course!
If I'm asked by authorities for my pilot's licence, do I just pull out my ASIC?
No. See above. You still have the licence. Present licence AND ASIC.
Does the green book (without photo in it) and an ASIC suffice?
YES.
If you've had the Police check and got an AVID, why would you need an ASIC?
Different purposes. Read CASA's website.
I "think" you need both
If you have an AVID, you still need to get an ASIC if you want to fly into a security controlled aerodrome. If you have an ASIC, that's sufficient and you don't need to have an AVID.
Have you tried to read CASA's website? It's pretty clearly explained.
In fact, read this page on CASA's website.
http://www.casa.gov.au/fcl/licence/index.htm
Here's the relevant part for you.
You hold a current CASA non-photo licence
After 31 December 2005, if you operate an aircraft in Australian Territory and you need to hold a licence issued by CASA, you must have a current AVID or ASIC or must have applied for an aviation security status check.
If you do not already have an ASIC, you can apply to CASA for an AVID or ASIC using the application form 639. This will include a new photo licence.
Alternatively, you can apply for an ASIC through any other ASIC issuing authority. In that case a photo licence will not be issued or required.