but GAA can still pull the plug on any number of those candidates based on their own criteria.
Do you think GAA really want to do that when they can hardly find suitable candidates? based on OAA selection at first place?
Don't forget that in the UK, it's the UK CAA that externally examine students when it comes to your Class 1 medical, your ATPL theoretical exams, and finally your Instrument Rating skills test - your examiner will have been appointed by the Authority and not the FTO in question.
Been there....!!