I also love the definition of a Private operation being so complicated that you have to read all the sections listed first, to find out if indeed you are not one of those. Yet the definition of a Commercial operation is one that is not a Private operation. So in effect a PPL has to have more knowledge of the regulations than a CPL, because they must rule out what they are not, to know what they are. If ever there was a failure in regulation it would be to make the lowest form of operation the most complicated.
The FAA clearly outlines what a PPL can do in it's PPL privileges and also has a lengthy circular on cost sharing.
§ 61.113 Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command.
(a) Except as provided in
paragraphs (b) through
(h) of this section, no person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as pilot in command of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire; nor may that person, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraft.
(b) A private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraft in connection with any business or employment if:
(1) The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and
(2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire.
(c) A private pilot may not pay less than the pro rata share of the operating expenses of a flight with passengers, provided the expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees.
(d) A private pilot may act as pilot in command of a charitable, nonprofit, or community event flight described in
§ 91.146, if the sponsor and pilot comply with the requirements of
§ 91.146.
(e) A private pilot may be reimbursed for aircraft operating expenses that are directly related to search and location operations, provided the expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees, and the operation is sanctioned and under the direction and control of:
(1) A local, State, or Federal agency; or
(2) An organization that conducts search and location operations.
(f) A private pilot who is an aircraft salesman and who has at least 200 hours of logged flight time may demonstrate an aircraft in flight to a prospective buyer.
(g) A private pilot who meets the requirements of
§ 61.69 may act as a pilot in command of an aircraft towing a glider or unpowered ultralight vehicle.
(h) A private pilot may act as pilot in command for the purpose of conducting a production flight test in a light-sport aircraft intended for certification in the light-sport category under
§ 21.190 of this chapter, provided that -
(1) The aircraft is a powered parachute or a weight-shift-control aircraft;
(2) The person has at least 100 hours of pilot-in-command time in the category and class of aircraft flown; and
(3) The person is familiar with the processes and procedures applicable to the conduct of production flight testing, to include operations conducted under a special flight permit and any associated operating limitations.
(i) A private pilot may act as pilot in command or serve as a required flightcrew member of an aircraft without holding a medical certificate issued under
part 67 of this chapter provided the pilot holds a valid U.S. driver's license, meets the requirements of
§ 61.23(c)(3), and complies with this section and all of the following conditions and limitations:
(1) The aircraft is authorized to carry not more than 6 occupants, has a maximum takeoff weight of not more than 6,000 pounds, and is operated with no more than five passengers on board; and
(2) The flight, including each portion of the flight, is not carried out -
(i) At an altitude that is more than 18,000 feet above mean sea level;
(ii) Outside the United States unless authorized by the country in which the flight is conducted; or
(iii) At an indicated airspeed exceeding 250 knots; and
(3) The pilot has available in his or her logbook -
(i) The completed medical examination checklist required under
§ 68.7 of this chapter; and
(ii) The certificate of course completion required under
§ 61.23(c)(3).