The ASIC question is finally settled and efficiently too.

[Woomera]

The Hon Warren Truss MP
Minister for Transport and Regional Services
17 October 2005
035WT/2005

CASA TO BE ONE-STOP-SHOP FOR PILOTS

The Australian Government Minister for Transport and Regional Services, Warren Truss, today announced that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) will become an issuing body for the Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC).

Mr Truss said pilots will now be able to complete their pilot licence security check and obtain an ASIC in one process through CASA.

"This will streamline the ASIC and pilot licence application process and allow for one application form and one security check," he said.

The new arrangements will make it easier for all pilots to meet the stronger security regulatory requirements.

Mr Truss said that it was important that everyone in the aviation industry - particularly pilots and industry associations - understood the options and the processes involved in the issuing of ASICs.

"Prior to the commencement of the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 and associated Regulations on 10 March 2005, only commercial pilots underwent background checks as part of their initial application for a pilot's licence, They were then re-checked every five years as part of the licence renewal process.

"The new Act requires that anyone who needs access to secure areas of security-controlled airports must undergo a background check every two years.

"Background checking for an ASIC is more in-depth than that required for a commercial pilot's licence. In order to cut red tape and costs for pilots, the background checks for new CASA photo flight crew licences will be waived if a pilot has undergone background checking in connection with an ASIC in the previous two years," he said.

Pilots, such as crop dusters, who do not require access to a security-controlled airport will not need an ASIC. For these pilots, CASA will conduct similar background checks as part of the issuing of new photo flight crew licences.

Mr Truss said he was encouraged that many general aviation pilots have been actively pursuing their obligation to obtain an ASIC.

"This is a further demonstration of their intention to play their part in continuing to strengthen Australia's excellent aviation security reputation," he said.

"Over the next week about 35,000 pilots will receive an application form and information pack to explain the process for obtaining appropriate identification.

"I urge all pilots to lodge their ASIC application form with CASA as soon as possible so they can meet the 31 December deadline for displaying an ASIC," he said.

Congratulations a good start for the new Minister.

[OZBUSDRIVER]

This is a victory of sorts. At least there will now be one application and one check undertaken for issue of both items. A reasonable outcome to be sure. It would appear that all the letters and submissions made over the last twelve months or so have finally found someone that can make a decision. The perfect outcome would have been to have our licences recognised as valid security cards. This security regeme will be with us for a very long time so it is good that it will be a little easier to get accreditation.

Good move, Warren. well done:)

[kookabat]

"I urge all pilots to lodge their ASIC application form with CASA as soon as possible so they can meet the 31 December deadline for displaying an ASIC," he said.

OK, good start. But who reckons CASA will actually have the resources to issue 35,000 ASICs in two months?:rolleyes:

[Woomera]

In order to cut red tape and costs for pilots, the background checks for new CASA photo flight crew licences will be waived if a pilot has undergone background checking in connection with an ASIC in the previous two years," he said.

Might help a bit for the ones who are active and need one for the day to day.

[impulse coupled]

Really

Is it that good, if you happen to have just bought a $40K ASIC machine on the advice of DoTARS. (I am sure the property developers would love to see the owner of MER airport go broke!!!)

Does it explain why we cant have one single licence/ID card???

Or is it just a political cop out???

[turbantime]

But who reckons CASA will actually have the resources to issue 35,000 ASICs in two months?

Yeah right. They've LOST my application for the photo ID and have to re-submit it. Did they call me to tell me that???? Noooo, I called them wanting to know what the delay would be after I had to submit more paperwork for the security checks.

I wonder how many more applications have been misplaced and whether they'll let us know at all. :mad: :mad: :mad:

[J430]

If you are in GA and recreational flying, join and stay joined to RAA, yes the old AUF, and along with a bit of a mag each month yo will get an ASIC at cost.

Might actually be quicker than the CASA option.

I have both a CASA and RAA licence, so 5500 V 35000....which will I take my chances on???

Cheers
J:ok:

[Sunfish]

Hallelulia! Good on yer CASA!

[pall]

This issue is not finally settled. Why do we need to be security checked X2 and pay fees for an ASIC card as private pilots?

Surely our security status is established and we have no commercial capacity to reclaim associated costs for our recreational flying from the ATO or via an employer.

Why not accept our current PHOTO ID or issue us with an ASIC card automatically with each PHOTO LICENSE and renewal?

[DirectAnywhere]

Not quite...good on ya Minister Truss.

[hadagutful]

Great, but hang on, what's all this going to cost?

Will a private or commercial GA pilot have to pay for a licence AND a background check for an ASIC?
Do RPT airline pilots themselves pay for their security checks?

In other words, do we bear the cost for a community issue, i.e. terrorism, or will the wider tax paying community foot the bill?
I'm not getting excited yet!!!

[Woomera]

pall

The security issue was not CASA initiated.

The Government decided that there would be a raising of the level of security across ALL modes of transport.

DOTARS were given the job.

There has been much negotiation between all stakeholders (don't you just hate that word) and regulatory parties on how to achieve a not negotiable requirement in the most efficient and cost effective manner possible.

It seems common sense prevailed, the logical authority is the one that issues licenses, hence the one stop CASA shop.

We should be thankful for small mercies. :rolleyes:

This is NOT CASA/Airservices/DOTARS Uncle Tom Cobbley and all trying to "kill" GA.

If you have a problem with the security issues take it up with those who required it in the first place, at the ballot box, please dont beat the messenger to death.:cool:

[Ultralights]

****, maybe he did listen to Nancy Bird!

[PennyBenjamin]

I went to CASA yesterday to get a photo license and specifically asked for an ASIC. they said 'you have to go to the airport bla bla bla......

When and where will these changes come into effect?

[Kickatinalong]

Hadagutful,
I don't understand some of you people , who do you think is going to pay. Do you think for one moment that someone else is paying? Where have you been hiding? Not only are WE going to pay WE also are going to give them a bond via a credit card that will be ongoing.
Then WE are going to wait for 6 to 8 weeks before we get out card back. I don't understand some of YOU.
Kickatinalong.:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :confused:

[Area QNH is...]

From todays Australian: From November 1st, a fee of $95 will apply for the photo licence and $145 for an ASIC!

[HotPete]

If a pilot's ASIC application is on its way to Aviation ID Merimbula what should he/she do? When the ASIC needs renewal in 2 years might he/she have to go through the agony again and re-apply to CASA?

[Ultralights]

in 2 years might he/she have to go through the agony again and re-apply to CASA?

in typical CASA and DOTARS style.... OF course!

on a side note, Today, i was handed more paperwork to filled out, re my Background check, aparently it has been "missplaced" :rolleyes: and i have to fill it all out AGAIN!!!!!

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:


just think, out there somewhere, is a pile of paperwork, with everything one needs to completly steel my identity!! Passport details! everything!

its a great feeling! :\ :mad:

[pall]

WOOMERA,

When were PPL pilots ever consulted about the requirements of an ASIC card?

I understand the need for increased security. I have no problem with this.

I have been fully security checked and have a bona fide Photo Licence. Why do I need to pay again for an ASIC card? Surely the status of my PHOTO License should suffice.

I have emailed Warren Truss with my views.

[UnderneathTheRadar]

Putting aside the 'I shouldn't need ANOTHER card' (with which I agree) - got the CASA ASIC form in the post last night which at first glance seems horrendus - but in practice has been a breeze - I just wanted to say thumbs up to the people at FCL.

Once you establish that CASA have kindly printed the wrong enquiries phone number on the guide to the form (it's 1300 not 1800) and get hold of them, I was suprised to be told only to fill out enough bits and pieces so that they can cross-reference to my photo id application (which after 6 months waiting, will be sent by next week!). Don't bother with new photos or the certified id bits - they reckon it'll all be apples!

The only gripe is that the guide to the form hints that you can avoid sections but doesn't explain exactly what sections to fill out.

Of course the proof will be if it arrives......................... and of course the 'value' of a $95 imigration check (surely showing my passport at a CASA office could have sufficed?) is still questionable but at least some flexibility, common sense and friendliness appears to have crept into the service.

UTR

[impulse coupled]

well you can look on the open section of the AOPA website for some Q and As.

[colonel cameron]

"FCLID" or "fkced if I know or give a damn", (FIGAD). Who made this acromyn up.

Is FCLID (flight crew licence identification?), the same as AVID (aviation identification), which is distinct from ASIC (aviation security identification card), which is the same as FIGAD?

If you and your mob (and I say that sincerely), had either fought the ASIC thing or understood you couldn't win, and just shut up, your credibility would be intact.

Even you could live with that.

Col. Why don't we just leave it there. I have edited your post as best I can to keep it inside the rules and outside the usual. There was only one other option.

This thread is about what is happening now, not what should have. W

[Clare Prop]

According to a "reliable source" there is a backlog of 35000 of these, and they are only able to process about 20 -25 a day, especially now it is all done in Canberra and the area offices have been taken out of the equation. So, with the ones they have now, and including weekends, holidays etc and if no-one goes on stress leave, that's more than 4 to 5 years wait!!! Hope I'm wrong about that.

Rumour is they may delay the 1 Jan deadline but that is not confirmed.

Definately a good thing that the ASIC application can be done at the same time.

[Sunfish]

Put my ASIC application in yesterday. The young lady behind the counter said the wait might be a little long.......:}