UK Private visiting Oz - Timelines for AVID/ASIC

[windy1]

Is it correct that a foreign private pilot cannot get a CV without also applying for an AVID (as a minimum) or ASIC?

Is it also correct that although CASA application forms can be posted ahead of visit, the process is stalled until you present yourself in-country?

If so , I can forget about flying unless I am in the country for a minimum of x weeks even if I start now?

Any advice gratefully appreciated.

[Charlie Foxtrot India]

If you have a C of V, you don;t need an ASIC or AVID, as these are only required for CASA licences. (Silly, isn't it)

However here in the West, if you want to go anywhere interesting you will need to refuel at security controlled aerodromes, so will need an ASIC.

You can apply in advance and this can save some time, but checks have to be made with immigration after your arrival. To make sure you have really srrived. :rolleyes:

One of the hardest bits is getting people overseas who can verify your identity, this can be done by an embassy official (and I hear they charge like wounded bulls per document verified) or a doctor approved for CASA medicals, or your own doctor if THEIR id has been verified by someone on the list....it's nuts. Someone on the list of approved people, eg nurse, vet, phsiotherapist etc has to be qualifed to practise in Australia. Also an overseas person can usually only satisfy the requirements for the secondary ID if they apply for an state issued Aussie drivers licence when they get here. (easy).

Another hold up is getting the authority in your country to verify your licence details, you need to authorise them to give this info to CASA.

All of this used to be done in the field offices, but since being relocated to Canberra it takes weeks instead of hours even if all the paperwork is in order.

It's all completely ridiculous, and has almost completely destroyed the self fly holiday market, which was pouring billions of tourism dollars into the country until all this nonsense came in- Goana tours shut up shop because of it.

HOWEVER we are still getting people through these hoops, but you need to allow about 4-6 weeks. PM me if you need help.

[27/09]

If you arrive and fly around in a foreign registered aircraft you don't need to go thru any of the bull****, no AVID or ASIC, no disabling device for the aircraft. I know of people who have done it.

Only applies Aussie licenced pilots and Aussie registered aircraft. Talk about shafting your own people.

Just to add to what CFI mentioned when she says that no AVID or ASIC is required by law if you don't have an Aussie licence. I heard that you don't need one at a security airport either (they cannot insist you have one since you don't have an Aussie licence) BUT it does help to have one, however if you can't get it organised in time some sort of ID i.e. passport will usually suffice.

[FlugWeasel]

If you have a look in the Private Flying Forum you will find a few compatriots who have been thru this. They might be able to give you some up to date info on current timing etc.

I replied to a couple of requests for info - I will see if I can find the exact link etc.

[Bigbus330]

Hi all.
I asked the question by email a few weeks ago. I'm heading home to Oz for a visit in 5 weeks time,and want to hire a C172 to take the wife on a quick joyride. I have an Aussie ATPL,but medical has lapsed for some time as I now fly out of UK on my UK JAR ATPL/Class One medical. I'm intending to fly out of a "Security Airport" and advised CASA of this. Here's the full reply:
If you intend on only flying here for a short period of time I would suggest applying for a certificate of validation. This would allow you to fly in Australia for up to three months and you would not need to obtain an ASIC. On the other hand, if you intend on coming to Australia this March and perhaps again soon after, then it would be better to obtain a Special pilots licence. An ASIC is required and is valid for two years. A Chief Flying Instructor, Approved Testing Officer or CASA Flight Operations Inspector, Grade One Flight Instructor is able to sight the form and documentation required.
So thats what I'll do! Also phoned CASA to clarify and was told fee for C of V is 260AUD,and even if I bring all relevant documentation to the Melbourne office,it may still take a week to process/issue, as it all is now sent to Head Office in Canberra??? to be checked!
Hope some of this helps,
BB330.

[Charlie Foxtrot India]

http://www.dotars.gov.au/transport/security/aviation/factsheet/fact9.aspx

Access requirements at security controlled airports
Whether your aircraft flies to a small or a large airport in Australia, you will need to check the access requirements for the airside area of that airport.
If you fly to a security controlled airport which has regular public transport (RPT) services - and there are now many more of these airports as a result of the new laws - access to the airside of the airport is restricted to only those people that need to be there. You must have a special identity card known as an aviation security identification card or ASIC. The ASIC is required in addition to any photographic flight crew licence or special pilot's licence issued by CASA as needed.
If you don't have an ASIC, you will need to check if the airports into which you fly are classified as security controlled airports. You will then need to check with the airport operator what the ASIC requirements are at these airports.

[Howard Hughes]

Get the ASIC it's much more useful, minimum time line about 2 months just received my renewal after an 8 week wait!:*

[windy1]

Thanks to all for the useful info. With that feedback and emails to CASA Canberra, this is my understanding:
CV: Easier than SPECPL because AVID or ASIC are not essential. So if you are careful where you go that would be $260 for 3 months. I had one in 2005 (and got an ARN issued then) but you have to do the whole thing again, less the UK CAA verification part. BUT CASA need certified copies of logbook,licence and medical all over again. Certification of the copy docs is the problem as I think that needs Oz officials. So I think its better to go to the local CASA, have them do it free and they post all the stuff to Canberra. Pray the latter process it quickly :)
SPECPL: Almost identical process for the licence and same fees, but valid 2 years. BUT because this is a licence (CV is not) then photo ID (AVID) as a minimum needed. If going to main airfields, need an ASIC instead.
Main problem for foreign pilot is authentication of personal documents which can really only be done in Oz by certain classes of persons. Police checks both in Oz and in home country will take time, and in the UK will cost. So better deal for multiple visits but a hassle to start off?

[Charlie Foxtrot India]

That's pretty much it. But you do need to have the CAA verifications done again in case there has been any change in your details since your last visit.

This is my recent advice from CASA re ID documents:

For UK pilots:

1. one document needs to be a photo ID - eg drivers licence - while this does not count towards the official ID, it does assist with photo and signature confirmation. it also assists if the applicant includes a certified copy of their UK pilot licence.
2. passport or full birth certificate
3. a verifiable reference from someone who has known the person for more than one year by the name they currently have. The referee can be a CASA delegate, DAME, registered medical practitioner registered in the UK or anyone who is entitled to witness a Australian Commonwealth Statutory Declaration (see our website for the list). If the referee is not a CASA delegate or DAME, the referee has to provide copies of their ID documents - either 2 primary documents or 1 primary and 1 secondary or 2 tertiary.

It CAN be done, but does take time. You may be able to speed up the process by faxing the documents in advance of sthe originals.