Skip to Content

Those who wish to drive airside or operate vehicles and equipment on airside operating areas, taxiways, and aprons will require an Authority to Drive Airside (ADA) license.

It is a regulatory requirement that people have the appropriate authority to access airside.

As Newcastle Airport is a security controlled airport, you will be required to seek an approval to drive airside, and if approval is granted you will need an ADA for the driver. An Authority to Drive Airside (ADA) is an authority issue by Newcastle Airport Pty Limited that permits the holder of the ADA to operate a vehicle on the airside at Newcastle Airport within certain designated areas, depending upon the category of ADA the drive holds.

Categories of ADA
The airside areas for which driving is authorised for each category of ADA are:

  • Category 1 – Apron only
  • Category 2 – All airside areas

Your authority to access airside may be provided by Newcastle Airport Pty Limited if you have a legitimate requirement to work airside. In your Airside Driving Authority application you must give a valid/lawful reason to go airside.

Download an Authority to Drive Airside (ADA) license application here

Applicants must undertake and pass an airside driving test at Newcastle Airport prior to issue of an ADA.

This test is based on the Newcastle Airport ADA Handbook, which will assist in preparing you for your test prior to obtaining an ADA.

Download the Category 1 ADA Handbook here

Download the Category 2 ADA Handbook here

ASIC Example

ASIC Example

The Newcastle Airport Security Office issues Aviation Security Identification Cards (ASIC), Extended VICs and Access Cards for employees of companies that provide services at Newcastle Airport.

Newcastle Airport also provides ASICs for local General Aviation Pilots that are located in the Hunter Region.

All persons that require unescorted access to security sensitive area are required under Australian Government Regulations are required to have an AISC and an operational need to be in that area.

What is an ASIC?
An ASIC is required to enter and stay unescorted in an aviation security sensitive area. The person holding the ASIC has undergone extensive background checks to ensure their suitability to operate in secure area of an Airport.

Which ASIC do I require?
Newcastle Airport issues two types of ASIC’s

  • A Red ASIC is issued to airport staff who require access to the airside area or airside security zone
  • A Grey ASIC is issued to staff working in the Sterile Area as a Retail Employee.

Newcastle Airport’s Security Office location
Newcastle Airport’s Security Office is located in the Administration Office on Level 1 East of the Newcastle Airport Terminal Building. Newcastle Airport’s Reception area can be accessed by the glass door in arrivals between the Information Desk and the car parking payment machines.

Email: security@newcastleairport.com.au
Phone: +61 2 4928 9800 (Dial 4)
Fax: +61 2 4965 1927

Hours of Operation

  • The Security Office is opened Monday to Friday from 8:00am - 4:30pm
  • ASIC appointments can ONLY be made Monday to Thursday between 9:00am – 10:00am and 3:00pm – 4:00pm
  • ASIC collection is by appointment only Monday to Friday between 8:00am - 4:30pm.

Fees and Charges

ASIC Application- $240
Replacement ASIC (Lost or Stolen) - $100
Replacement ASIC (Change of name, Change of Employer) - $50
Under 18s ASIC - $100
New Access Card - $30


Identification Required?
Newcastle Airport is an authorised ASIC issuing body with an current approved ASIC program. Every ASIC applicant is required under section 5 of the AusCheck Regulations 2017 to provide original copies of their identification upon application so the information can be provided to AusCheck to conduct regulatory required background checks. These checks generally take 3-4 weeks, however this process may extend up to 8 weeks dependent upon multiple contributing factors. For information regarding identification requirements and background checks please click here.

How to Apply for an ASIC?
You need to apply for your ASIC as soon as you can or prior to starting work at the Airport. Once the application has been submitted, the process can take up to six weeks or longer. Please follow the steps below to apply for an ASIC

1. Visit https://newcastlepr.identitysecurity.com.au/index.php/preregistration/appType, select ASIC Online Application. This will allow you to create a login in that manages your ASIC Application.
2. Complete the online ASIC application form and enter in all your personal details, 10 years of address and the Company that you are employed by. If you are a pilot, please select General Aviation pilots and enter yourself as a contact.
3. You need to enter in all your Identification Documents details and ensure that all the details are correct. You also have to option to upload copies of your Identification Documents that you are using as part of the ASIC application.
4. At the end of the Application, you are required to select two times and dates that you are available to attend an ASIC Interview. A member of the Newcastle Airport Security Team will contact you to confirm you appointment.
5. Attend an ASIC Interview with a member of the Newcastle Airport Security Team. The Security Team will conduct in person identification checks and take copies of your identification documents. A photo will also be taken of you.
6. Once your application has been submitted, you will be required to complete the Newcastle Airport ASIC Security Awareness Training. A link and password will be sent to your email address and you will be required to complete this before you can be issued your ASIC. Please bring a copy of the completed certificate when picking up your ASIC.

Collecting your ASIC
When your ASIC is ready for collection, you will receive a text message from Newcastle Airport. Please call Newcastle Airport Reception on P 45928 9800 to arrange a time for collection. This can be Monday to Friday during office hours.

Please remember to bring with you:

  • Your completed Security Awareness Certificate
  • If you have an existing ASIC or VIC, please bring it with you as we’re unable to issue your new ASIC if these haven’t been returned.


Returning your ASIC
If you have no operational requirement to retain your ASIC, it must be returned to the Newcastle Airport Security Office within 14 days.

When your ASIC has expired, it must be returned to Newcastle Airport within 7 days.

Failure to return your ASIC to Newcastle Airport could result in a penalty as per the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005.

Access Cards
All Newcastle Airport issued ASICs (with the exception of private pilots and retail staff) have access encoded into the ASIC. The access will be enable ASIC holders to access the areas of the airport that they have an operational need to access because of their job requirements. This information is provided in the ASIC Application Form.

Access Cards with an External ASIC
If you don’t have a Newcastle Airport issued ASIC and require access to Security Sensitive Areas, you need to complete an application form (see Access Forms tab below).

If you are Flight Crew that is based at Newcastle Airport (Jetstar or FlyPelican), you need to complete a Flight Crew Access Application.

Access will only be given to those persons who can prove an operational need to access the secure area of Newcastle Airport and have their employer endorse their need for an access card.

You will be required to then complete the Newcastle Airport Security Awareness training module. A link will be sent to your email with details on how to complete this training.

Once you have completed this training, the access card will be issued to you. The expiry date of your access card is linked to the expiry date of your ASIC. Once your ASIC has expired, your access card will no longer work. If you receive a new or updated ASIC, please contact Newcastle Airport Security team to update the details of you Access Card.

What is an VIC?
A Visitor Identification Card (VIC) is a card issued to short term visitors who need to access a secure area of the airport.


You must:
• Need to enter a secure area of the airport for a lawful purpose
• Be supervised by a valid Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) holder while in the area
• Present with your ASIC Supervisor when being issued with your card.

How many VIC’s can I be issued with?
You can only be issued with 28 VICs per year.
If you require more than 28 VICs in one year, you need to apply for an ASIC.

How do I apply for a VIC?
We highly recommend that you pre-register for a VIC, this will speed up the process of issuing your card once you arrive at the airport.
You can still apply for a VIC in person but the application time will be longer.
To pre-register please click on this link: Airport Visitor Registration, select Newcastle Airport and click next. Select either Reception or Gate 4 as your entry Point.


Where do I go to be issued with my VIC?

VIC’s are issued at Newcastle Airport reception or the Gate 4 Vehicle Access gate.

What if I am applying for an ASIC?
Newcastle Airport issues Extended VICs that are valid for 28 days to person’s that have applied for an ASIC. The extended VIC can be issued multi times as long as the ASIC process is still place. If you are applying for an ASIC at Newcastle Airport, please ensure that your employer completes the request for VIC on the ASIC application form.

What Identification do I need?
To be issued with a VIC, you must present at the airport with one of the acceptable forms of identification listed below; the ID must be original (not a photocopy or photo of ID).

The identification must:
  • Be government issued
  • Contain your photo and signature
  • Be current and valid.
Acceptable forms of Identification are
  • Passport (Australian or Foreign)
  • Drivers Licence 
  • Australian Proof of Age card
  • Embassy/Consulate photo card
  • Adult Firearm or Shooters Licence
  • Police Identification Card
  • Australian Security Licence
  • Working with vulnerable people card
What other information do I need to know?
If you have been refused an ASIC you cannot be issued with a VIC.
If you do not present with appropriate identification or ASIC Supervisor you will not be issued with a VIC.
 

If you don’t have an ASIC and work in a Landside area and require an access card, please complete the application form to apply (see Access Forms tab below).

You will then be sent the Newcastle Airport online Security Awareness training to complete before the access card is issued.

Visitor Identification Cards (VIC)
If you are a visitor and require access to a secure area of the airport, you need to apply for a VIC pass. This pass gives you permission to be in the secure areas under the escort and supervision of an ASIC holder.

You can only be issued with 28 Days worth of VICs in one year. If you require more than 28 VICs in one year, you need to apply for an ASIC.

Newcastle Airport issues Extended VICs that are valid for 28 days to persons that have applied for an ASIC. The extended VIC can be issued multiple times as long as the ASIC process is still in process. If you are applying for an ASIC at Newcastle Airport, please ensure that your employer completes the request for VIC on the ASIC application form.

If you are a VIC holder, you must be escorted by an ASIC supervisor in all Secure Areas that are not accessible to the general public at Newcastle Airport.

In order to be issued a VIC, you must present with your ASIC Supervisor and original identification document at Newcastle Airport Reception or the Vehicle Access Gate. The identification must:
• Be government issued
• Contain your photo and signature
• Be current and valid.

Acceptable forms of Identification are a Driver's Licence, Australian or Foreign Passport or Proof of Age card.

If you have been refused an ASIC, you must inform the VIC issuer.
 

What happens if my ASIC or VIC is lost or stolen?
If you have lost your ASIC, you must report it to Newcastle Airport and provide a statutory declaration within seven days. You will then be required to complete a replacement ASIC Application.

If your ASIC has been stolen, you need to report it to the Police and obtain a police report number. You must also report it to Newcastle Airport, provide the police report number and provide a statutory declaration within seven days of the ASIC being stolen. You will then be required to complete a replacement ASIC Application.

You will also be required to complete a statutory declaration declaring that you have not been convicted of any Aviation Related Offences since your last background check.

Failure to do this could result in your ASIC being cancelled and you could be fined up to a maximum penalty of $1100 by the Office of Transport Security.

How long does the AusCheck background check take?
AusCheck background checks processing times vary depending on the application. On average, it takes 2-3 weeks with some applications taking longer than six weeks.

Given the time it can take for a background check to be done, it is recommended you start your ASIC Application as soon as possible

If you have any questions regarding your Background Check, please contact Newcastle Airport.

Do I need to make an Appointment for an ASIC Application?
Yes, appointments are required to for an ASIC Applications. Appointments are available on Mondays to Thursday between 9am-10am and 3pm-4pm.

Walk ups will be turned away.

How do I renew my ASIC?
About 6-8 weeks before your current ASIC is due to expire, you will receive an email with information on renewing your ASIC. You can also visit Newcastle Airport Reception to pick up an ASIC pack.

The ASIC Renew is the same as a normal ASIC appointment. You will have to book an ASIC appointment, provide all the correct original identification documents and complete the Newcastle Airport Online Security Awareness Training.

What happens if I don’t return my Expired ASIC?
As communicated on the conditions of ASIC issue, an expired ASIC must be returned to Newcastle Airport. Failure to do so could result in fines of up to $1700 from the Office of Transport Security.

Can I post back my Expired ASIC?
Yes you can, please post it to:

NTL Security Office
Private Bag 2001
Raymond Terrace NSW 2324

I am an ASIC holder and have been recently convicted of an Aviation security related offence. What do I do?
As an ASIC holder, you have a legal obligation to self-report convictions for security-related offences to your issuing body or directly to AusCheck. This information must be provided in writing within seven days of the conviction. Failure to provide this information is a criminal offence and could result in prosecution and/or fines of up to $9000.

Am I required to update my details if I change my address or name?
Yes you are required to update Newcastle Airport if you change your address or name within 30 days of the change occurring, failure to do so is an aviation offence and you could be liable for a fine of up to $500 from the Office of Transport Security.

What do I do if I can’t remember where I have lived over the previous 10 years?
You need to complete this section to the best of your knowledge, failure to complete this section will result in you ASIC application not being processed.

My work colleagues already have their ASIC and mine was submitted at the same time, why don’t I have mine yet?
All ASICs are assessed on an individual basis by AusCheck. The time it takes can vary by person.

I have just changed employers, what do I need to do?
You need to complete a full ASIC application. Your new employer needs to endorse your operational need to continue holding an ASIC. You will also be required to complete a statutory declaration declaring that you have not been convicted of any Aviation Related Offences since your last background check.

I need to update my ASIC to an Australia Wide (AUSWIDE) one, what am I required to do?
You need to get a letter from your employee stating the operational need to change to an AUSWIDE ASIC. The letter needs to include the airports you are required to work at, the frequency of visits and the capacity that you will be working in.

You will also be required to complete a statutory declaration declaring that you have not been convicted of any Aviation Related Offences since your last background check.

What documentation is required if I’m a General Aviation Pilot
If you are a pilot and require an AUS wide ASIC, you need to bring to you ASIC appointment you Current Pilots Licence and Current Aviation Medical.

Back to top