Was once told by a legal bod the following :
1. It is not illegal for Joe Bloggs to hire a helicopter
2. It is not illegal for Joe Bloggs to buy fuel for said helicopter
3. It is not illegal for Joe Bloggs to hire a commerical pilot to fly said helicopter
Providing they are all done seperately. The CAA will say that Joe Bloggs is not the operator as he is not capable of being an operator and therefore the pilot is the operator and therefore breaking the law. However this would not be the case as the pilot is using his licence for hire and reward as he has not personally hired the helicopter. The Caa I believe has recently lost the case on this basis over The NRA hiring a heli for a river survey and hiring a pilot to fly it.
Well thats as clear as mud !!!