I did ask them.
It sounded like they have three requirements: age above 21, refraction stability in at least the last 3 years AND a PPL. I did talk to quite a few of the Gat people. A lady on the phone told me about the PPL bit, which left me quite literally... ehmmm "flabbergasted". It sounded to me like the same "requirements" had been confirmed by the eyes man himself.
Now, if I can get a definitive answer from the folks at Gatwick, that'd help make matters clear once and for all.
However, it sounds like Mark 3:16 had to go the way I am "suggesting".
EGBKFLYER, I don't understand... you said in one post you had 130ish hours and a PPL when you were examined. Perhaps they didn't mention that "requirement" because they saw you already had flying experience.
The point I am trying to make is that one will find oneself in somewhat of a "catch 22" situation, were one (like me) wishing to take up Integrated training.
You need a Class 1 to start training on an ab-initio scheme. However, sounds like you need a PPL to get a deviated Class 1.
Can't get to train at say OATS, CCAT, FTE, what-have-you without a Class 1, but can't get a Class 1 with no PPL..
I am going to speak to the Gatwick folks once again (provided they establish my refraction being stable), to try and find out if a deviated Class 1 CAN be obtained with no PPL and used to enter ab-initio training. I know for a fact that a deviated Class 1 can be accepted for Integrated training (I spoke to one large FTO, they had students in that situation, but the deviation note had to be of the sort "the candidate WILL have the deviation lifted at renewal").