[FabHK]

I'm wondering whether he could fly the plane with a PPL under FAR part 91, general aviation? Then he wouldn't be subject to airline rest restrictions.

[cyberferret]

Pretty sure there is a weight limit for PPL? At least I think there is here in Australia.

If memory serves me correctly, I think PPL allows you to fly aircraft up to 5700Kg MTOW. Even one of the 747 engines might bust that limit. :)

[FabHK]

From what I recall above a certain MTOW a type rating is required. So, certainly you need multi-engine category & class, the complex, high-performance, and pressurised-cabin endorsement, and a type rating, and then you could fly your 747, but only VFR :)

Here some related discussion:

https://www.pprune.org/jet-blast/266790-john-travolta-his-70...

https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091129142010A...