I believe the Gazelle was a newly acquired helo for the owner. I saw the "N" number listed on a website and some text stating that the helo had a new home on Islip, Long Island.
I would be interested in knowing how much helo total time, turbine time, and in type the pilot had.
In the U.S. if you have a PPL helicopter license you can fly any helicopter up to a gross weight of 12,500 lbs. without a type rating, as far as the FAA is concerned. Insurance companies may dictate total time, time in type etc. Insurance coverage is not mandatory for private operations.