Whatever happened to the spotters licence?

[Robbie J]

I seem to recall an announcement (quite a few years ago) about SACL (or was it the Federal Police?) implementing a spotters ID card at YSSY.

Did anything come of that plan?

Personally I never thought the ID card would work or have any real safety benefits.

Sure, someone seen on the airport perimeter fence all the time could raise safety concerns. Such a person should therefore have a spotters pass to prove their good intentions.

But what about casual weekend spotters or photographers? Should they be expected to apply (and pay) for a pass before even approaching the vicinity of the airport?

That's why I felt the airport spotters pass would never work. A few people would apply for the ID card and carry it, but casual spotters and random visitors would still not possess one... hence, the safety / ID issue still exists.