Originally Posted by
Just_Waiting
I'm currently thinking it would be a hobby, but ideally, eventually I'd like to get ratings on something with more seats so I could fly friends around.
If more seats is the goal then fly the cheapest two seater you can find.
The Robinson 22 v Cabri argument normally comes down to cost. The Cabri was designed with the r22 shortcomings in mind but it also isn't without it's pitfalls.
Go for a school with at least two helicopers of the type you learn on for a smoother learning experience.
If you are taught in the r22 then the transition will be easier to the r44 and then onto a jet ranger/505 or r66.
If you are taught on the Cabri then the only similar bigger machine is the airbus series of machines starting with the 350 or h120.
Otherwise you are into more niche machines like gazelle, bo105 and maybe the older pistons like the bell 47 or the turbine allouette.
For your training purposes fly the cheapest machine, you might save enough doing that for a type rating into a jet ranger or a 350.