This thread brings back memories of a visit to PLD in June 1993. Back then I was a 17-year old lowly ops assistant and my employer sent me down to Gatwick to hand deliver an urgent 1179 application. Pilot in question was required to commence line training the following day.
Arrived at PLD around 11am, handed said application over and went to the CAA library to kill some time. Returned to the PLD counter at 12pm, where I was told that the application could not be processed, due to the 1179 being incomplete.
I gently pointed out the copy of a letter, in the application pack, from PLD to my employer confirming they, PLD, would process the incomplete application, on the proviso the missing element was covered during line training and that a copy of said letter must be in the application pack. The missing element was a crosswind take-off/landing on the aircraft - the weather did not co-operate during circuit training.
Cue red faced CAA clerk, who muttered something about having to confirm that the letter had originated from PLD and whether the application could be processed.
Two hours later, licence handed back with type-rating on it.