there are lots of ways to get screwed...so, having learned from my pal's experience.
one...know who is going to be BOSS, PIC, AC commander as HE/SHE/IT will be held legally liable.
EVEN YOUR BEST friend may leave you in the hot seat. In my friends case the lure of a real live airline job was enough to conveniently NOT tell the whole truth.
There is a judgement/retribution whatever you call it..here on earth too...if this guy forgot the gear once, he might do it again.
When I finally got my airline job, I promised myself I wouldn't fly except for my airline...no rides with pals, no nothing...
as we have learned in the past...and I remember this one...a PILOT who had LOST HIS MEDICAL and could not legally be PILOT IN COMMAND OF ANYTHING had 14,000 hours and went for a ride with someone. The someone crashed the plane, and yes the guy who could NOT LEGALLY BE PIC was blamed by the FAA.
rotsa ruck