- What are the security requirements?
- What's the difference between an AVID and an ASIC?
- Are pilots still allowed to fly without an AVID?
- Can an AVID act as a substitute for an ASIC?
- Where can I find the application form?
- Do I need to complete the whole application form?
- Do I need to submit new photos?
- Do I need to submit proof of identification documents to renew my AVID?
- Who can certify documents?
- What does it cost for an AVID?
- What is the typical processing time for an AVID?
- How long will my new AVID be valid for?
- Why is my AVID not valid for a full five years?
- 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 my medical certificate is not current, can I renew my AVID?
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.
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 ASICs.
At a minimum, all pilots 18 and 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 require frequent access to a secure area of a security controlled airport that has RPT services you need to have an ASIC.
If you are under 18 and you do not require frequent access to secure areas of security controlled airports that have RPT services, you do not need to apply for a background security check until you turn 18.
Are pilots still allowed to fly without an AVID?
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 background security check.
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?
You will need to complete CASA Application Form 639.
Ensure that you also download the information leaflet which is available at the same location.
Do I need to complete the whole application form?
If you are applying for an AVID you must complete the full form, with the exception of page 7, and provide all necessary supporting documentation.
Do I need to submit new photos?
Yes – the photo on your new AVID must be less than six 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).
One photo 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 a Commonwealth Statutory Declaration).
Do I need to submit proof of identification documents to renew my AVID?
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 page 3 of the form.
This includes one primary and either one secondary or two tertiary documents. This is a summary of the requirements only – the definitive list of proof of identification (POI) documents is available on CASA's website.
Who can certify documents?
A full list of acceptable people is at this website.
What does it cost for an AVID?
The below fees apply as of 1st July 2007.
- Under 18 AVID – not eligible to apply
- AVID initial application $181
- AVID renewal $171
What is the typical processing time for an AVID?
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 AVID be valid for?
The expiry dates for AVIDs are based on the date of the criminal history record. The maximum validity period for an AVID is 5 years from the time the security checks are completed.
AVIDs 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 AVID not valid for a full five years?
An AVID is normally issued with an expiry date which matches the date that the last security check was completed, plus 5 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.
If you are under 18 years of age you cannot apply for an AVID.
You need to apply for a security check (either an AVID or an ASIC) within three months of turning 18 if you want to use your CASA flight crew licence.
If my medical certificate is not current, can I renew my AVID?
Before issuing you an AVID, CASA must be satisfied that you have an operational need for the background security check. That means you need to have a CASA flight crew licence and a current medical. CASA will renew your AVID if your medical is being renewed.
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.