Hi FMC,
I flew BA to Gatwick last week for my class 1 and got a great jumpseat ride into Gatwick.
The crew were very welcoming even though it was such a short flight, MAN-GAT.
I wrote a short letter addressed to the flight crew explaining why I was on the flight, PPL etc and would it be poss for a jumpseat at some point.
I gave this to FA on boarding and was invited up for taxi, take off, the entire flight and a great landing !
Worked a treat for me, all the best and good luck.
Buster