Originally Posted by
Lyneham Lad
Nigh on 3 years of continuous work by the team saw the aircraft successfully returned to Guetersloh in fine fettle.
I think the quote above touches on the political side. Ie the time factor to repair.
Let us say the damage is borderline Cat 3/4. In other words the station resources could do a competent repair to the same standard as the contractor. If the work is Cat 4 it will cost money to the contractor but free up station resources and possibly be done quicker.
OTOH as Cat 3 it will eat up station resources but cost less and may take longer.
How you pay therefore is the political drive to fudge the Cat.
Could that be the case?