I'm not new to ASIC's, as an aircraft engineer I've been required to have one for my entire working career. However, I do have several questions and thoughts for those more learned aviation folk.
Now that I have joined the flying fraternity;
1) do my passengers require an ASIC? If not, do they require my direct supervision at security controlled AD's?
2) if no RPT aircraft fly to an AD, why is it necessary to have security other than for general airport safety.
3) if no security personnel are employed to check an ASIC during AD operational hours for all those heading airside, why is it necessary to have an ASIC?
Now I know there could be many opinions with respect to these questions, your thoughts are most welcome. But it seems to me that if no RPT aircraft use an AD, an ASIC would not be required under the current legislation. Surely a current pilots license along with perhaps a photo ID would suffice as proof of identification. A photo on the pilot license itself could assist in effectively showing cause to be airside.
From previous posts, it seems that other than at major airports, security checks are adhoc at best. So my question is, if local authorities do not have sufficient security personnel and infrastructure available to check all citizens going airside, why should these same citizens be required to produce a current ASIC on the off chance that an inspection is carried out? I see the necessity for an ASIC, don't get me wrong. But please, if the public goes to the trouble and expense of acquiring this proof of identity and character, there needs to be a level of consistency in providing security at all security controlled registered airports. The legislators can't have it both ways, charge the public for a service and not provide that service. I hope they get it right soon.
Apologies for my ramblings, it's a perfect afternoon for flying. So I'm off, cheers.