Civil Aviation Safety Authority

Applying for an ASIC

Your ASIC questions answered

More answers to your questions can be found on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website.

What are the security requirements?

You need a valid ASIC if you require frequent access to a secure area of a security controlled airport that has Regular Public Transport (RPT) operations. This is a requirement of the Aviation Security Regulations 2005.

If you want to use your CASA issued flight crew licence and you do not require frequent access to a secure area of a security controlled airport that has RPT operations, you must apply for a background security check and you will be issued with an AVID, provided your checks are successful. This does not apply if you are under 18.

What's the difference between an AVID and an ASIC?

ASICs and AVIDs show that the holder has a current security check but only an ASIC can be used at security controlled airports. ASICs are normally valid for up to 2 years and AVIDs are normally valid for up to 5 years.

While an AVID and an ASIC are both evidence that background checks have been undertaken, the background checks for the AVID are not equivalent to the checks for the ASIC.

At a minimum, all pilots 18 or over must undergo the background checks for an AVID. Only those pilots who require access to a secure area of a security controlled airport will need to undergo the more robust background checks for an ASIC.

To streamline processes and remove any duplication, pilots who undergo the background checking for an ASIC do not have to undergo the background checking for an AVID.

If you plan to fly into a security controlled airport that has RPT services you need to have an ASIC.

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. The application will be processed and appropriate background checks undertaken prior to the AVID or ASIC being issued to an eligible pilot.

Pilots under 18 do not need to have a security check.

However, pilots requiring access to a secure area of a security controlled airport will be required to display an ASIC whilst in the secure areas, meaning the ASIC must be issued before access can be gained.

Can an airport refuse to let a pilot walk into the airport to go to their plane if they don't have an ASIC?

Responsibility for access to the secure areas of a security controlled airport has not changed. It remains at the discretion of the airport operator.

What should a pilot do if they still have not applied for their ASIC but wish to land at a security regulated airport?

All persons are required to display an ASIC whilst in the secure areas of a security controlled airport. Pilots who have not applied for an ASIC and wish to operate from security controlled airports should submit their application as soon as possible to obtain their ASIC. Otherwise they will run the risk of facing a $550.00 fine each time they breach the display requirements.

For details on infringements, see part 7 of the Aviation Security Regulations 2005.

Can an AVID act as a substitute for an ASIC?

No. The background checking disqualifying criteria are different. Those required for the ASIC are at a higher level. A person who is eligible for an AVID may not necessarily meet the standards required to be issued with an ASIC.

Where can I find the application form for an ASIC?

Depending on the circumstances, you will need to complete an on-line form or a printable PDF.

Our ASIC application page has simple instructions and links to the appropriate form

Do I need to complete the whole application form?

You must complete the form in accordance with the guidelines and provide all necessary supporting documentation.

Do I need to submit new photos?

Yes – the photo on your new ASIC/ AVID must be less than 6 months old at the time of issue; this means you will be required to submit new passport photos as instructed on the application form (please ensure the photos are secured to the page with sticky tape).

The photos must be certified by the person who makes the declaration about the identity – there is a list of acceptable people on CASA's website and on the information sheet (the list includes Justice of the Peace, CASA Delegate and anyone who can witness an Australian Commonwealth Statutory Declaration).

Do I need to submit proof of identification documents to renew my ASIC?

Yes - you must provide proof of identification (POI) documents with your application and they must be certified as true copies of the originals by the person certifying your photos and making the declaration on the form.

This includes one primary and either one secondary or two tertiary documents. See Identification and certifying documents for further information, or refer to part 6 of the Aviation Security Regulations 2005.

Who can certify documents?

A full list of acceptable people is at this website

What does it cost for an ASIC?

The fees below apply as of 1st July 2007.

  • Under 18 ASIC – no security check – $102
    Note: ASIC will be valid for 6 months after 18th birthday
  • Initial ASIC – full security check required $196
  • ASIC renewal – $186

What is the typical processing time for an ASIC?

Approximately 4 weeks. The time is longer if further checks are required or if the application form is not completed correctly. Incorrectly completed forms may be returned to the applicant as rejected.

How long will my new ASIC be valid for?

The expiry dates for ASICs are based on the date of the criminal history record. The maximum validity period for an ASIC is 2 years from the time the security checks are completed.

ASICs are issued following the background security check and assessment. In some cases the assessment process involves further investigations before the card can be issued. In some cases, the validity period will be reduced depending on the outcome of the assessment of the application. In some cases, the eligibility period will be not more than one year.

Why is my ASIC not valid for a full two years?

An ASIC is normally issued with an expiry date which matches the date that the last security check was completed, plus two years.

I am an overseas student learning to fly in Australia. I do not hold an Australian Driver's Licence and have been here for less than twelve months. What kind of secondary identification does CASA accept in my situation?

One option is to provide a verifiable reference – please refer to the information about proof of identity.

I’m under 18 and I have been told I don’t need a background security check. Is this correct? What happens when I turn 18?

If you need frequent access to a secure area of a security controlled airport that has Regular Public Transport (RPT) operations, you will need to apply for an ASIC but you can obtain one without a security check. Your ASIC will expire 6 months after your 18th birthday.

You need to apply for a new ASIC within 3 months after you turn 18 so that you receive your new card before your old ASIC card expires.

You must remember that if you did not require or apply for an ASIC before you were 18, if you want to use your CASA flight crew licence after you turn 18 you need to apply for a security check (AVID) within three months after turning 18.

I need an ASIC but I'm not a CASA licensed pilot or CASA employee. How can I apply?

ASIC cards can be obtained from other issuing body such as AOPA, RA-AUS or Aviation ID Australia. A list of issuing bodies can be found on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website.

If my medical certificate is not current, can I renew my ASIC with CASA?

Before issuing you an ASIC, CASA must be satisfied that you have an operational need to have an ASIC and it can be issued in accordance with CASA's approved ASIC Program. That means you need to have a CASA flight crew licence and a current medical. CASA will renew your ASIC if your medical is being renewed.

If you fly with one of the sport or recreational aviation associations such as Recreational Aviation Australia (RA-Aus), you should obtain your new or renewal ASIC from one of the other ASIC issuing bodies such as AOPA, RA-Aus or Aviation ID Australia.

I am a CASA licensed pilot but I fly under a sport or recreational aviation organisation such as Recreational Aviation Australia (RA-Aus). How can I apply?

If you fly with one of the sport or recreational aviation associations such as Recreational Aviation Australia (RA-Aus) and you don't use your CASA licence, you should obtain your new or renewal ASIC from one of the other ASIC issuing bodies such as AOPA, RA-Aus or Aviation ID Australia.

 
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