There is a difference between a small single-engine helicopter and a transport-category helicopter, at least in the eyes of the regulatory authorities. In the US, an S76 in Part 135 ops has to be dailied by a certificated A&P mechanic. We do a preflight check, but that is nowhere near as detailed as what the mechanics do. My preflight is mostly to check for obvious things, like rags and tools left lying around, and it's not a real daily inspection. It takes far too long to open every cowling on the aircraft, and get a large stand out to the aircraft to closely check the tail rotor. We have to trust the mechanics for the major stuff. Take a look at an airline pilot doing a preflight of the airliner you ride on - he's not doing any inspecting, he's just looking for all the big parts to be there. That's mostly what I do, check for the right number of big parts. When I flew 206s, I could, and often did, sign off the daily inspection, but that's a far cry from an S76. Anyone who is flying an S76 from a remote base without a certificated mechanic is setting himself up for real trouble.