What are the privelages of the Helicopter pilot's licenses?

Question

I know what the licenses are (private and commercial), but I'd like to know if I'd be able to take someone for a ride on a private license, or if that's just to fly solo.

Thanks!

Answer 1

A license is a license.  One allows you to fly your own helo and one allows you to fly for a company, taking passengers for hire.  Either way, you can take passengers up to the number of seats you have.

Answer 2

Once you get your private pilot's certificate, you can take passengers for helicopter rides. However, if you wanted to charge them for giving them rides, you would need a commercial certificate. It is alright for passengers to split the cost of gas and expenses to operate the helicopter. Just as long as you're not making profit, a private pilot certificate is fine.