ASIC card problems

[Guest Rocko]

Hi folks

 

I've been reading the thread about the proposed fly in, and it strikes me that everyone is really negative on the whole ASIC card thing.

 

Now, I'm just newly licensed, and I've just received my ASIC card, which I have yet to use.

 

However, now I'm worried. Why is it so difficult? Is it the applying for the card thats a problem, or the using it? I know there were lots of issues early on, but my own experience getting one couldn't have been easier.

 

I filled the form, stuck on the authorised photos, and sent it to the RAA. They said it'd take 6 weeks. I got it back in 2-3 weeks! They couldn't have made it any easier.

 

So, am I missing something?

 

Scott

 

 

[Guest pelorus32]

Hi Scott,

 

that mirrors my experience - mine took a month.

 

However the issue is what sort of access and activity can you run on a Security Controlled airstrip? Let's say I fly in with my nearest and dearest who has no ASIC. I have to promptly escort her from the aircraft through the gate into the public area. If she wants to inspect your aircraft or help me refuel she can't. I have confirmed that with DOTARS.

 

I think it's very unlikely that you as an ASIC holder could sleep under the wing but even if you could you would be cold without someone to cuddle up to - they would be off in a motel somewhere.

 

Those are the sort of issues that make a flyin to a Security Controlled airstrip an issue.

 

Regards

 

Mike

 

 

[Matt]

Non-ASIC card holders can be escorted by an ASIC holder - they require a Visitor Identification Card.

 

From the DOTARS website:

 

" Visitors who need to access the airside area or any landside security zone of the airport need to wear a visitor identification card (VIC) and they must be supervised by a person displaying a valid ASIC until they leave that area or zone."

 

Some useful links:

 

http://www.dotars.gov.au/transport/security/aviation/factsheet/fact13.aspx

 

http://www.dotars.gov.au/transport/security/aviation/legislation/overview/idcards.aspx

 

If your nearest and dearest is a regular passenger and you regularly visit RPT airports, get them an ASIC too.

 

Like Scott, I'm not sure what the big fuss is about ASICs.

 

 

[Ultralights]

i applied for mine in Feb last year through CASA, still hasnt arrived

 

 

[Guest Fred Bear]

My issue? The Govt make enough money as it is anyway that's why I don't want one. It's a principle thing for me.Yes, I know I can't fly into RPT airports unless I have someone with an ASIC with me and that's fine.None of this camping under the wing thing too and many other freedoms that have been taken away from us because of a few morons with funny things on their heads and skirts.How much damage could one do with an ultralight/recreational aircraft if they wanted to?Not much methinks.Too much of our freedom has been taken away.Ill stick to airfields that don't have the requirement. :)

 

 

[Ultralights]

what really poos me off about the ASIC issue, is when i applied, through CASA, i waited 9 months!!!! only to be told on a phone call to CASA to find out how my application was going, that CASA had LOST my paperwork!! hows that for security! all the details you could ever want to commit identity fraud!

 

I demanded a refund, which i never got...

 

but the kicker is i have held a QANTAS red background AUS ASIC for 11 yrs!!, sadly it has expired since i left, but i still hold a VALID Department of Defence ASIC and ID with clearance to secret level, all this clearance and background checking by the ADF mean absolutely Nothing to DOTARS!! i can sit an an operational, powered up fully armed F18 Hornet while its towed across the tarmac, i can carry a AIM9 sidewinder Missile, a 500Lb Bomb etc etc, but i cant fly a 270 Kg Ultralight from a airport in the middle of nowhere because its serviced by 1 RPT flight a week...... even if that 1 RPT flight is only a C172.

 

Sadly we are the victims of fear factor politics resulting in an entire new industry built on BS!! the airport security industry......

 

im not saying the airport security is bad, but absolutely nothing has changed at most airport that would actually stop a terrorist atrocity, except we are all paying for the privillage!

 

 

[Guest J430]

Just some fun

 

REDNECK ALERT REDNECK ALERT REDNECK ALERT

 

Darren, I admire your resolve mate, but this Bull:censored: is not going away, so really its futile.

 

In some ways there is a bit of redneck in all of us...or our family......"Jeff Foxworthy"

 

Cheers mate!

 

J

 

 

[PaulN]

I've been reading the thread about the proposed fly in, and it strikes me that everyone is really negative on the whole ASIC card thing. Am I missing something?Scott

Hi Scott,

 

Like others, I had/have no problem getting/using an ASIC. In theory the need for them is an inconvenience for us recreational flyers. However, in reality (from my experience at least) most of the smaller regional airports are reasonably relaxed about their use. I recall one day recently rocking up to the GA gate of one of the busier, larger RPT airports to get something from my plane. Having left my ASIC back at the motel made things a little awkward, until I called the ARO who simply met me at the gate to open it then promptly drove away again. Again, at Gold Coast, there was no problem for me (w ASIC), and my son (w/out ASIC), walking from the aircraft at one end of the GA hangar area all the way past all hangars and facilities (but not terminal area) on airside without second looks from anyone. I did check first of course and was told it's OK there.

 

So methinks most of the objection to the need for an ASIC is firstly the outlay of cash, secondly the resistance to being told "you must have one", and thirdly I guess most of those who refuse to comply simply have no interest in the freedoms of aircraft touring.

 

Like you, I don't see the need for the fuss.

 

Hmmm :;)4: .

 

Paul

 

 

[slartibartfast]

REDNECK ALERT REDNECK ALERT REDNECK ALERT

Darren, I admire your resolve mate, but this Bull:censored: is not going away, so really its futile.

 

In some ways there is a bit of redneck in all of us...or our family......"Jeff Foxworthy"

 

Cheers mate!

 

J

I can hear him now (and this isn't a dig at you Darren - I respect your viewpoint but I love Jeff Foxworthy)

 

"If you can get an ASIC but refuse because you want to stick it to the man, you might be a redneck"

 

I had doubts about them granting me an ASIC (long story) even though I have a Highly Protected security clearance and have worked on a USAF base, so I delayed applying. However, it arrived in about 9 weeks. At Mudgee it proved invaluable. I would hate to be unable to fly to an airport or an event because I didn't have one.

 

Sure, the rationale behind the need is a ridiculous knee-jerk reaction to perceived threats at best, and a sinister plot to erode our freedoms through fear at worst, but it doesn't mean we can't play the game.

 

There are many times in life when you know that it is a game, but you have to play anyway. Until you own your own ball anyway.

 

Ross

 

 

[Ultralights]

i have 3 ASICS now the bungling has subsided!

 

One from the ADF, one from RAAus! and one from Newcastle Airport limited...

 

dont ya love bureaucracy!

 

 

[Guest Fred Bear]

:clap:Ha ha ha.Good comments all.But, you know, it's all about consistency. I have an ASIC for work (Sydney Airport) I can get into our bus at the depot, be driven out to the airside area, not be checked for anything at all on person (yes this happens every shift) then jump straight on to 747's coming into Sydney.Some depart the same night, some depart the next day.That's not the issue.The issue is, I get issued an ASIC because my employer demands I have one.Even if it is a V pass to the SRA I have it and I can jump on any damn 747 I want, loaded with whatever is in my pockets/undies (wherever).It just does not make sense to me and some poor Recreational Pilots apply and have to wait ages when they just want to fly a 250kg a/c around the place (as stated).If some do-gooder from ASIO/CASA/SACL wherever is reading this, good.Investigate it.Your security at YSSY leaves alot to be desired.Mohammed can apply for a job at YSSY through an employment agency in Sydney and bang, the next day he has access to every 747 he wants.Could be dangerous.It's about time these Govt tossers woke up.

[Guest brentc]

Unfortunately your security clearance won't make a difference to the procurement process. Your police security / reference check gets processed just like everyone elses I'm afraid. My Top Secret (Army) clearance didn't do me any favours. It still took 12 weeks to arrive. My mate built his entire new Jabiru kit in the same time that it took CASA to get me an ASIC. Nearly 2 years later they have just sent me a letter to get me to pay for the check as my credit card had expired recently.

 

I haven't had to use mine yet.

 

Ironically, at some of the busiest RPT airports around you don't need one if you stay outside the blue areas, yet at other little p*issy airfields with one flight a day, you do. The responsibility for this rests with the council from when they submitted their security plans to DOTARS.

 

 

[Guest danda]

ridiculous knee-jerk reaction to perceived threats at best,

Sorry Ross I would have to disagree with this statement the threat to this nation is very real as to what form it will take is a mystery but its there never the less.

My issue is that I just don't see how a little peace of plastic can do anything at all to lessen that threat. If one of these deranged fanatical truly decided to commit an act of barbarism it will happen plastic card or not. It would seem to me that its a case of "We don't really know what to do however we must be seen to be doing something".

 

The lay back she'll be right Australia we where brought up with is fast being eroded away and the sad thing is, that apart from having a bit of a whine on a forum Australians a for the most part are deafening by their silence and while ever we remain silent we fail to make our so called leaders accountable.

 

The trouble with Australian politics is that it's hard to see any real difference between the 2 main players so the choice is limited, in most cases its almost the same policies just a different way off articulating them. However the point is that the big brother mentality Australia is here to stay I don't like it but it's fast becoming very much a part of Australian culture.

 

Don

 

 

[Guest J430]

If you use your asic card and lanyard as your Dog's Leash, you might be a redneck!

 

If you use your asic card as a spoon for eating your baked beans from the can, you might be a redneck!

 

If you use your asic card as a airport gate lock picker, you might be a redneck!

 

If you use your asic card as a flight planning ruler coz ya'all to cheap to buy a ruler, you might be a redneck!

 

If you use your asic card to scrape the bugs offyor windshield, you might be a redneck!

 

If you use your asic card to scrap the leftover baked beans off your TOOTH, you might be a redneck!

 

J;)

 

 

[PaulN]

Not long back Jack (wanabigaplane) launched the thread "101 Uses For an ERSA". Dave, could this be the beginnings of "101 Practical Uses For An ASIC"? Maybe a basis for a new competition Ian ;) .

 

Paul

 

 

[Ross]

According to the CASA website site charges for ASIC cards will increase "due to increased costs incurred by security organisations".

 

Regards

 

 

[numptie]

Now don't quote me on this but as far as I knew ASIC checking was to be taken over by AusCheck (or something like that). Not sure if they are a Govt department or not but if they aren't that would be why there's going to be an increased cost ... the function being outsourced.

 

 

[dreemhi]

I'm not one to gripe but since we all seem to be in the mood. I'm a bit inclined to Darren's point of view, why should I pay our government to prove that I'm not a terrorist. And before everybody gets upset and starts argueing that it's all for our own good to protect us from mass destruction look at the real facts. I'm not a terrorist, I dont think I'm smart enough for that but does anybody really think a plastic coated card is going to prove a problem for a bona fidi baddy. Accepting that it's a token reaction to 9/11 it should be quick and cheap or is it really another government revenue raiser?

 

Sorry, I just paid my car rego and I don't feel very government friendly at the moment:censored:

 

David

 

 

[Ultralights]

ahhh yes, my favorite goverment organization, the office of Random Taxes Association (RTA)

 

 

[Guest bazmay]

I loved the redneck uses, gave me a good laugh.

 

If you really want to check our ASIC with what has happened in the USA, go to Oshkosh for the biggest GA and light aircraft get together in the world. Some 10,000 plus aircraft, from military to plastic fantastics and everything in between, and guess what ! not a security card in sight. Not only is the site itself open ( except for admission charge ) but all the airports for 50 miles around are chockers with aircraft and at most not even a boundary fence. At one we went to we were even given a bus ride to the opposite side of the airport and just dropped off wherever we wanted to look at aircraft, large and small.

 

Just shows what a lot of BS this card is. I don't see fuel tankers on the roads through Sydney or Melbourne being subjected to security checks.

 

It's all a lot of crap, unfortunately at our local airport we do have RPT so have to have a card and a code to get out (or in) the gate. Of course the code can be aquired by looking up the ERSA ( terrorists can't read ) or take a punt and use the CTAF frequency.

 

Hopefully in a year or two it will die a natural death in airports other than major ones, unless of course it can be seen as a "good revenue raiser".

 

Baz

 

 

[Ultralights]

fortunately the Americans woke up pretty quickly and realised that a small aircraft under 5700Kg in weight posed no terrorist threat...and the costs of imposing such restrictions and charges on their many pilots was simply not worth it..

 

shame our govt cant see that...

 

 

[Jabby]

Hi Guys it took me six months to get mine , and only for Julie at RAA I would still be waiting Thanks Julie, I have used mine at PMQ and because I go there a fair bit I cannot be without it, I wish we did not need it, but unfortunately thats what this world has come to, Very Sad ,Anyway Guys and Girls, Happy Flying Mike

 

 

[Geoff]

Of course the code can be aquired by looking up the ERSA ( terrorists can't read ) or take a punt and use the CTAF frequency.

 

Where in the ERSA bazmay?????

 

 

[poteroo]

Like most others, I have an ASIC because I can't do business without it.

 

If I have a gripe to express, it's that some absolute genius designed the fence and gate locations without asking we locals for input. (what's new?). As a result, they are all in the wrong places, effectively preventing public access to most GA business on the airport.

 

To open our main gates, you need a local issued card here, issued by the airport owner.

 

To open keyboard gates or doors, at most locations the best bet is to use the CTAF frequency to the 1st decimal place, (no zero on the end), punch ENTER and viola! Failing that, check for handwritten numbers on the airside of the gatepost......put there by a forward thinking pilot!!

 

happy days,

 

 

[blueline]

NO ASIC CARDS IN THE USA!

 

In the good old US of A there is no requirement for an "ASIC" and only three states require security checks of student pilots.

 

Why is Australia hitting its pilots with unneccessary burdens??

 

THE BIG DEAL WITH ASIC CARDS IS THAT

 

THEY DONT SERVE ANY USEFUL PURPOSE!