Ministers Media Release;Aviation Security Identification Card
 

Warren Truss
Minister for Transport and Regional Services
Deputy Leader of The Nationals
M E D I A R E L E A S E
Tim Langmead - Media Adviser 02 6277 7680 0418 221 433 [email protected] www.ministers.dotars.gov.au Securing Australia’s Transport Future Media contact: 02 6277 7680 0417 749 711 [email protected] www.ministers.dotars.gov.au DOTARS06/036WT 28 March 2006

Aviation Security Identification Card distribution on track
The Australian Government Minister for Transport and Regional Services, Warren Truss, today said that pilots who had applied to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) before 31 December 2005 for an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC), and have been found eligible, can expect to receive their new card before the end of March.

Mr Truss said it is expected that by the end of this week over 10,000 ASIC cards will have been distributed to pilots by CASA.

“The background checking of these 10,000 pilots has been a massive undertaking whichhas involved CASA, the Australian Federal Police, ASIO, the Department of Immigration and my Department,” Mr Truss said. “Other pilots will have ASICs that have been issued by other agencies.”

Mr Truss said CASA was now focused on following up those pilots who had provided incomplete applications. Further background checking of some other applicants is also continuing.

“In this kind of massive security exercise the integrity of personal identification documents which are used as the basis for background checking is vital,” he said. “We simply can not accept a lesser standard of application, nor fail to follow up possible security issues, otherwise we risk undermining the integrity of the entire system. CASA continues to work with pilots to resolve outstanding issues with their applications,” he said.

Mr Truss said it was also of concern that some pilots had not submitted applications at all.

"I remind pilots who require an ASIC and have not applied that they may face a penalty of $550 for each failure to display an ASIC at a security regulated airport. After 31 March 2006, all persons are required to display an ASIC when in the secure area of an airport that has regular public transport services,” Mr Truss said.

Mr Truss said that from 1 April 2006 Transport Security Inspectors will be routinely checking that pilots have their ASICs.

“If a pilot has applied by the 31 December deadline and is eligible to be issued with an ASIC, but due to exceptional circumstances has not received a card, the pilot will receive fair treatment,” Mr Truss said.

Since 1 July 2005 over 72,000 background checks have been processed for participants in the aviation industry. Mr Truss said significant improvements had been made to ASIC processing systems over recent months and cards were now being issued faster than ever before.

“CASA has dedicated additional resources and had been working closely with the security checking agencies to improve the pilot ASIC processing systems,” he said.

Media release from the Hon Warren Truss MP - Minister for Transport and Regional Services Page 2

Mr Truss said pilots who have not yet applied for an ASIC can now make an application through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). To find out more details about applying for an ASIC, call 1300 737 032 or log on to the CASA website, www.casa.gov.au.

An ASIC indicates that the holder has been background checked and is eligible to enter a secure area of an airport. The holder of an ASIC does not have an automatic right to access such areas. Access to the secure area of an airport remains at the discretion of the airport operator in accordance with the airport's transport security program. ENDS

Woomera;

Perhaps you can ask Minister Truss to define a "secure area" of a "security regulated airport"

"After 31 March 2006, all persons are required to display an ASIC when in the secure area of an airport that has regular public transport services,” Mr Truss said".

There were posts elsewhere where it was said one could not even go flying without an ASIC. The way I read it a can of yellow paint and a 6" paintbrush would have saved heaps for a lot of people including me, who doesn't have an immediate need for one, nor has, or want's to have, any business in the secure area of my RPT airport, whatever that may be.

Finally my ASIC has arrived !!! Now CASA has ripped me off again !!!
 

Hi all

At last (cutting it very fine to the cut off date) CASA have finally got their act together. I received my ASIC today and I’ve been hearing many others in the Sydney area have also.
Just a query! I have received my ASIC today and paid my fees for a card that is valid for 2 years before paying again to renew again. One would think that it should say March or April 2008 on the card. On my card it sais August 2007 which really means I have been ripped off 7 months. I didn’t even apply for one until the 26th of December 2005. Is it my fault that CASA have been delayed and so backdated the dates on the cards? Are other cards out there in the same situation as me or is my situation unique? Normally I’m not one to moan and complain but this whole ASIC shi*t has pis*sed me off enough and now I’m sick of these people that have created this drama now trying to rip us off

I don’t know how much the ASIC renewal will be every 2 years but lets say it will be $110 for argument sake. This means every month our ASIC will be worth $4.60. Multiply that amount by the amount of months being ripped off (7) and that equals $32.20. Multiply that amount by the some 15,000 registered pilots requiring ASICs (correct me on that figure if I am wrong) and we have almost half a million dollars in CASA'S pocket! Almost $500 000!!!
You tell me...... Is this a genuine mistake or is this yet again another one of CASAs money hungry schemes to f*uck us all over? :yuk:

Cheers......porter

Just for clarity of reporting, my ASIC is MAR08. Applied Dec05. So would be interested to see what majority of punters have as expiry dates as opposed to application dates.

“If a pilot has applied by the 31 December deadline and is eligible to be issued with an ASIC, but due to exceptional circumstances has not received a card, the pilot will receive fair treatment,”
Does anyone know what 'fair treatment' will involve??:confused: :confused:

ASIC
 

I think it was posted in another thread about asic's, that casa were staggering the expiry dates to ensure that the system doesnt bottle neck again in two years time (makes sense) when everyone applies for them again. Understandably some people wont get a full two years this time, but i'd imagine it would be a once off thing.

So why not give 2 years and 6 months instead of 18 and have a lot happier customers (given that under full cost recovery thats what we are!).

Staggering the expiry dates.
 

I think you can expect CASA has a plan to either adjust what you pay next time for your ASIC or "credit" you with a few extra months.

I'm sure they are aware of the existence of the Commonwealth Auditor General.:}

I find most things about CASA staggering these days!

Sunfish, putting "CASA" and "plan" together in the same sentence is like using "military intelligence", an "honest politician" or "the honourable member for...". You're giving CASA way too much "credit".

I have no doubt they were told to just do it and they're working it out as they go with the plan coming well behind the implementation.

I don't know why he's surprised at that - from the CASA website:
If you don't need frequent access then, from the DOTAR's website, http://www.dotars.gov.au/transsec/aviation/fact13.aspx, you can get a VIC - visitor identification card, supervised access.

Finally, Very few private pilots would have a work-related reason so what's the use in getting an ASIC?

Does anyone know the number for Qantas licencing?

I asked a lady from CLARC and she said that it should be here to me already. :mad: Anyway gave me some number but it was not Qantas' number.

How long will it take?
 

What do you do if you have been working at a country airfield with no requirement for an ASIC prior to end Feb 2006 and land a job at an airport that you need an asic for? Does this mean you can not start your new job until you are issued with an asic? Is part of applying for a position now to include holding an asic? How long wo0uld you have to wait for the asic to appear? .........just wondering.........

So, has anyone got a definition of what "frequent access" means? If I fly from Bacchus Marsh to Mildura say three times a year do I need an ASIC or will a "VIC" do?

OK, I am the owner of an AUS ASIC through work.

I want to fly a 172 around WA on my honeymoon with the mrs to be. Can I use my AUS ASIC to get fuel in Halls Creek etc?

The DOTARS website has a link to the Aviation Security Regulations - a quick look through this would answer many of the questions being asked here...:sad:

Thumbs down to Qantas
 

I've got a number for a useless Qantas staff member who is supposed to be overseeing the licencing. However, he hasn't answered his phone during the past three weeks, nor has he returned any messages I've left for him. Time for a little payback - everyone, his number is 02 9691 1272. Hopefully he can help someone out.

Also, why's it taking so long for Qantas to print and distribute the licences?

I just want my bloody ASIC! :{

I have had a read through the Aviation Transport Security Regulations and I cannot find anything that deals with use of a work issued ASIC for private flying.

A fact sheet (exactly what is says, and that is not law) states: That still does not answer the question entirely.

What happens when I turn up at Halls Creek 90 mins before the RPT service arrives and want to go to and from the "terminal", possibly with shopping including bottles of wine and a replacement corkscrew for the one that broke in our esky in the back?

Tonight I got the call from CASA informing me that my ASIC is at the Group 4 office at the Qantas domestic terminal.I've had to dig into the coin jar for the parking, so hopefully all goes well.

If you are in Western Australia and you have not yet recieved your ASIC AND have NOT yet recieved a call from the Perth CASA office regarding delivery, I suggest you call them as they will have been trying to call you.

Woomera,

Followed your tip, Perth office palmed me back to CLARC. I dont think I'll bother calling them.


Compressor Stall,

Your cork screw, etc should be fine as Halls Creek does not have a "screened air service" or sterile area. At this stage only jet services are sceened although all security controlled airports have received training in wand waving to initiate screening at any stage.

As for your work ASIC for private purposes - I always thought of the ASIC as proof you have been background checked only - proof of right to access is a different matter.

Although I can see where the confusion comes from as when you apply for an ASIC you have to give (sometimes lengthy) reasons for your requirement for an ASIC - so it blurs the line a little, doesn't it?


I guess the big question is why are spending any more time in Hells Crack than you absolutely have to?

low flyer - yes the line is blurred. Is possession of keys to the Cessna on the tarmac enough proof of access to be wearing my ASIC card?

I can just image some over ethusiastic security person confiscating my ASIC card as I am not using it for work. I don't have an AVID nor photo licence yet either. I guess I could say that I am getting current of bush flying techniques for work purposes!

It will be interesting to head back to the crack (for fuel, and maybe a toasted ham cheese tomato sandwich from the Shell Roadhouse) after 6 years. I miss flying around the north!

I'm sure there will be more argy bargy before the fat lady sings. however here is a CASA URL FYI on ASIC V AVID.

http://www.casa.gov.au/fcl/licence/questions.htm

ASIC date of issue
 

Following Gaunty's link led me to this info on another page:
You have a photo-licence, including AVID, issued after 10 March 2005
These Photo IDs include the words ''Aviation Identification". No action required unless you wish to apply for an ASIC. A new security check will not be required but your security check report will be reassessed. The ASIC will be issued for a two year period from the date the last background check was conducted. You can apply to CASA for an ASIC using the application form 639.
http://www.casa.gov.au/fcl/licence/index.htm
Does this shed some light on the reason for the varying validity dates others have reported?
Still don't have mine - tried ringing CLARC but get a recorded message sayng "All lines are busy, please try later.. click...."
Woomera I don't think Perth CASA office have been trying to call me - no hang-ups or missed calls or messages on either answering machine or mobile.

Its' arrived ! (sort of)
 

Received a call from a CASA lass telling me that my ASIC is ready for pickup at Qantas Mascot. (applied in Dec-05)
I asked if it could be mailed to me, and the lass replied 'can do, but it'll take a week or so to redirect and send it'.
Fine says I., and because I'm still in a very foul mood about this whole so-called 'security' issue, I'm quite prepared to vent my spleen and lungs at any security goon who dares to challenge me when I land at a 'security controlled' airport without my ASIC after friday 31-Mar-06.
effing politicians and their effing games. :*

I think I ahve missed something here- but why are all the ASIC's being picked up from QANTAS?

I got "the call" today saying that I needed to pick mine up from Qantas in the ADL domestic terminal. I've only just got my CPL so I sure as heck don't work for them!

Also why is it that i have been issued with an "old style" CPL instead of a photo AVID one!? :ugh:

Chadzat: - CASA subcontracted Qantas to print the cards, so Qantas are distributing them.

You will not receive a photo licence and AVID because you have applied for an ASIC and that has a higher level of security screening than the AVID therefore you don't need both.

At least, that's what I understand from my reading of CASA's website - but I may just be as confused as every one else.

Just in.

All of the ASICs that have been processed are either with Qantas or in the Platinum Australia Post system and should be recieved by tomorrow.

In the event that YOU do not nor have not recieved yours AND THIS IS POSSIBLE, I am advised that you should carry on AS NORMAL.

There is also a probablilty that some applications ARE being held up bthe security part of the process and that is something over which CASA nor any of the other issuers have any control.

If you need any comfort read the Ministers Statement and pay particular attention to the para.

If you are checked, that is your insurance, direct from the Minister. Period.

I have made direct enquiries to the Ministers office and I personally am satisfied in this regard.

May I suggest that you carry the acknowledgement letter or some evidence that you have applied by the above deadline so that may be noted should any action be taken.

As I have said before in this thread dont dick with the system and stay calm until we get through this very trying time for all.

The CEO Bruce Byron assured me that CASA have put in an enormous effort with now over 10,000 applications processed and that he has been monitoring the results on a daily basis. They are taking this very seriously.
He suggests that the problem for them as far as the recent sudden volume of work concerned could be likened to having to turn a corner store into a supermarket virtually overnight.

That may no consolation but neither have we had to do this in Australia before.

Stay calm keep on flying and it will be all over shortly.

I again draw your attention to the FAQ link I described above if you are still confused about AVID V ASIC.

http://www.casa.gov.au/fcl/licence/questions.htm

Gaunty.... who are you trying to kid mate, CASA couldnt have done worse.

We always knew they are useless... so i spose it shouldnt surprise us.

Well done CASA fellas, keep the good work up and i hope you enjoy your $$$$$ bonus from ripping us pilots off.

Gyro

I would love to carry my acknowledgement letter with me gaunty, but while it seems CASA remembered to charge my credit card unfortunately they forgot to send me any acnowledgement or reply to my enquiries on their website.

But this is no surprise since I originally applied for an AVID in February and it took them until late October to send me a letter telling me a page from the application was missing and could I submit it again please.

I must say I am extremely p!$@ed off at CASA for the run around, especially considering I reapplied for the ASIC in early November and still recieved nothing but someone on this website who applied in Jan of this year has recieved theirs already.

I really wonder what will happen if I get checked by an official tomorrow, although I doubt theyll be checking for awhile since they know they've screwed up and will be wanting to save as much face as possible.

Zepth

Ermm.... when "normal" is that the new PPL has passed their test 8 weeks ago and CASA are holding back the issuing of the license pending ASIC, this is not possible!!
Not necessarily true. I worked for a Govt Dept which also required AFP background checks performed (including ASIO clearance). There were strict Service Level Agreements in place whereby AFP had to turnaround the chcek within (IIRC) a month. The clearly has not been happening with ASICs. Could it be that in their haste to implement the process, someone forgot the basics of contractual agreements?
You can suggest it....but - like zeptiir - I have never received an acknowledgement letter from CASA that they received my application.
With all due respects, it appears that it is CASA which is confused. From that webpage:
Are pilots still allowed to fly without an ASIC?
Yes. Pilots only need to have submitted an application for an AVID or an ASIC to operate an aircraft.
Yet CASA will not issue a new license if the pilot HAS submitted an application. as explained before: where the new license is a transition from GFPT to PPL this in effect means that CASA are not allowing newly qualified pilots to fly.
It continues to be very, very frustrating.
BD

Do they finish their week with a sense of pride?
 

And with all this stuffing around and lengthy delay anyone with an intent to utilise aircraft or facilities to inflict terror has had plenty of ASIC free time to do so - many times over.

And have we had any cause for alarm or proof that we need such an inane system?

And while i'm in the zone i've been sent a form following my medical chasing up payment. It is going to take me some time to fill out the form. I've just introduced a cost recovery plan for myself, and i'm sorry CASA i'm going to have to invoice you for my time. But i'm sure you'll understand.

DECKCHAIR - a word of advice from my experience.

Doctor omits medical payment form with documentation reflecting burning hoops for medical. Call AVMED helpline to get in early and sort it out and get D who is disinterested, will not take ARN, name etc and advises that all will be well and will happen automatically (despite web site warning that it will bounce). Send payment form by fax anyway with instructions for use! Get letter in mail telling me to pay up or else (with incorrect address, handwriting of four year-old work experience student, - postie sorts it [learning point CASA - employ posties]).

Ring CASA helpline with letter to Bruce prepared with cc to Warren T and Bill Heff. Get M on the line and she is the perfect CASA employee - bless her heart. Sorts it in a minute. Suggests M gets fed this week and D doesn't.

Moral of the story - if you get D ask for M and every organisation is a victim of their employees.

BD1959

Look mate I am not here to defend CASA, they are quite capable of doing so themselves, I am just trying to keep you up to date with what is happening in GENERAL terms.

You cannot say that we have been in any mode recognisable as NORMAL for some time leading up to the 31st march.

it is not "clear" at all, given the other processes and the sheer volume of applications involved.

Yet CASA will not issue a new license if the pilot HAS submitted an application. as explained before: where the new license is a transition from GFPT to PPL this in effect means that CASA are not allowing newly qualified pilots to fly. is this a isolated case or not, in any event direct your complaint to Mr Arthur White the new Commissioner within CASA for these matters. You should recieve a swift response. You may not like the answer, but it strikes me that any answer you get is not going to be the right one for you right now.

And I will say it again, when the donkey has finished going through the Boa Constrictor, and now the practise Olympics are over, you might find there are some lessons learned and things will happen much quicker and more efficiently than they ever have before.

You still cant save the donkeys from themselves and I'm talking about incomplete or incorrectly completed applications.

Swamp half drained, half full you decide, but you wont win any full on cooperation from anyone by shouting at them, we are all in this together you know.

Beyond that I'm not getting down into the weeds with you on this.

Applied September last year... still haven't received it. They'll be going on the last background check as well, which means March last year when I got my CPL - miss out on an ENTIRE YEAR!

Really quiet a disgusting system. I know it's being processed though - credit card got charged.

Dear Mr Gaunty,

It was yourself who first used the term "you should carry on AS NORMAL. " blind Freddie and his dog can see that the whole process has been far from normal.

No, the example I gave is not an isolated Case. I understand that the CFI from a local school has been in correspondence with CASA regarding numerous anomolies with the process. There were also countless tales on the original thread detaiuling inconsistencies and contradictions.

"but you wont win any full on cooperation from anyone by shouting at them"

Who's been shouting at them? Certainly not me. I phoned them in early January to ensure they'd received the application I'd sent in October - but for which I never received an acknowledgement. I phoned them 8 weeks ago to learn that the application was with the AFP and I phoned them again last week to learn it was still with the AFP.

Maybe I should follow your advice and talk with the nice Mr Arthur White. But then that would break your previous advice to leave everything to the nice CASA people and it'll all work out fine in the end.

If I haven't been arrested for tresspass by then.

Boa Constrictors and Donkeys, eh? Keep tilting at windmills, mate.


BD

Had to call CASA on an unrelated matter this morning and the recording stated in words to the effect that if one was calling on the ASIC matter it might be advisable to call ''later in the week."
Re the ASIC; I applied and paid by cheque on November 4th. Cheque went through November 30th. I had previously held an ASIC when doing some casual work for a Regional Airline and although there was no provision in the application form supplied for the new card to quote any previous card number I wrote the details out separately and stapled it to an inside page. Pointed this out to the CASA employee at YPAD where I lodged the form and his comment was that it was a good idea and that he was going to also put the details on a 'post it' note and stick it on the cover. Which he did.
Just been to the local PO. No ASIC!:oh:
I'm a patient bloke. Might give Qantas a call sometime though.

You only live twice. Once when
you're born. Once when
you've looked death in the face.

The farces with the processing of them pales into insignificance when you hear what I had to go through to get the little red card in my hands.

After finally finding the Qantas office at "Gate 24" I was shown into a normal office and was told to "look through and find your ASIC" from two boxes of about 100cards in each!!! I said to the guy "is there any ordering system in the boxes?" the reply was "Nar mate, all random!" I then got left unattended during which time I could have grabbed any number of cards!!!

After eventually finding my card 10mins later I just had to sign off my name on a sheet and I finally had it right on the deadline.

An absolutely ABSURD system and being the first time I have had to deal with CASA 'properly' I am not looking forward to that aspect of the industry I hope to find work in!! :yuk:

BD1959

Perhaps you have a problem in comprehension and placing things in context.

And yes you should talk to Mr White.