PPL Licence application
 

I'm hoping to take my skills test next weekend and was wondering about applying for the licence. I'm looking at travelling to London a few days after and thought about taking a detour to Gatwick to apply for my licence in person. Would I be able to get it there and then? And how long does it typically take if applying through the post? Does anyone have experience of the CAA at Gatwick?

Yes you can get it issued on the day as long as there are no issues with your documentation.i sent myn via post and it came after 5weeks due to the backlog from the changeover.

Since when? They never usually issue licences same day, the only advantage of going to the counter was they guaranteed a 10 day turnaround for licence issue.

Initial licence issue
 

Believe you can only renew,add type/class rating/convert to EASA using the same day counter service (like I did 2 weeks ago),not initial application.
You can always drop it off though relieving you of the worry that Royal Snail actually got it there,not sure if that speeds up the processing mind.

Same here
 

I sent off for my ppl licence on the 14th sept they got it on the 19th .... I'm still waiting. But I'm pretty sure you can't do it in person and get it issued the same day... P.s I was advised 25 days ( working days)

Why don't you just call them and ask?

CAA info
 

It's all on their site,see para 4 in 'Additional Information'
Public Counter Service Details | Personal Licences and Training

You cannot get it on the day - only renewals can get same day service. The only advantage of turning up at 0830 is that your paperwork can be copied there and then (apart from logbook) and if there is any issues you will be told immediately. The logbook will be returned by courier service (if you want to pay for it) along with your licence. I was advised in late June that they would turn my application round in ten working days. It was more like twenty but until the licence arrived I still flew solo locally with my instructor's permission.

Thanks for the info and the link. I had already tried looking but didn't find much. Guess I'll have a wait for my licence to come through

Counter service
 

If you turn up at 08:30 there will be at leat 10 ahead of you,even if you are just leaving stuff you will need to get in queue.Don't just drop off at front desk,best to get it checked in.
I got there at 07:20 and was no.2!!!!