writes:

Very narrow limits or he needs a commercial certificate.

If he's just flying to, say, go to meetings or visit clients, that shouldn't
be a problem. It's like driving a car, only somewhat faster and dramatically
more costly and awkward.

It is true, though, that the FAA has a really broad definition of commercial
flying. And I shudder to think what the IRS rules say.

And as far as an instrument rating goes, it depends heavily on where you
are.

Mmm, yes. I like to fly in SoCal and Arizona, where the weather is usually
good--although just moments ago I almost ended a VFR flight in tragedy when
the weather at LAX turned out to be terrible. (This was in my sim, of course,
which I'm sure you'll dismiss without any thought.) I have a (virtual)
instrument rating and my (virtual) Baron is well equipped for IFR, but I
couldn't land under those conditions. After fumbling around a bit while ATC
patiently waited for me to get a grip, I diverted to Van Nuys, where the
weather was fine. When the weather improves I'll reposition that Baron to LAX.