Whirly
I think we are in agreement (in some respects at least), but coming at it from differing ends.
You are quite correct, it cannot depend on how the individual feels.
I think the issue is, is the 'free flyiing' in return for something else, if it is it's illegal (you might disagree with this one).
I always try to 'give away' any dead legs I have to hour builders I know, I don't believe this is illegal as they are not expected to do anything for it. They fly (if type rated), the aircraft gets where it needs to be. I don't believe this can be misconstrued as there was never any intention to charge for it. However they have had the benefit of a free hour or two.
Hillerbee makes a valid point, which I'd never thought of
It's remains very simple if you are asked to fly (whether free or for renumeration) it's a job offer. You are asked to do a JOB. Means AERIAL WORK. PPL's are NOT allowed to do aerial work. There are simply not even rules to be bend, it can't be done, it's wrong in every way.
If the aircraft needs you to get it from A to B and no one else can do it, it is work. If it was going anyway and you get to fly it is it work ?
I also believe that, with some creative accounting 'the valuable consideration' can (and will) usually be lost by some training companies. I suppose that it then comes down to an argument over whether a PPL holder should be expected to pay for any flight they do. I do not believe there is a concrete answer to that.
Did anyone mention corporate yet ? Who owns it, who pays who ? (Too much like being at work)
In some respects one of the more educational debates we've had for sometime.
V.