As appears the norm with the OZ Air Safety Regulator a Cairns based charter operator - Barrier Aviation - has had it's flying operations suspended for 5-working days immediately prior to public holidays or until the issue is resolved in courts of law most of which are closed during Christmas and New Year - The suspension also includes the flying school and aerial work operations

CASA admits "...The inconvenience this action will cause for passengers and Barrier's employees is regrettable, especially at this time of year - In all cases and at all times, however CASA's primary and overriding consideration is safety" - "...CASA offices will close from end of business Friday 21 December and will reopen on Wednesday 2 January 2013"

"CASA said an investigation had confirmed Barrier had been operating aircraft with known defects and directing pilots to fly them"

"Defects were not recorded on maintenance documents and it was not satisfied Barrier would not operate aircraft it knew to be defective"