My first flight was a check ride at a new outfit who didn't require a membership fee, or a 30 day currency. And it was my first ride in a 4 seater, GPS, etc. Second trip was solo round the Kent / West Sussex coast. Then I had planned to take the family up for a quick spin to see how the kids took to it.
However this was postponed by weather and instead we went on to plan B. Four up to Bembridge. That to me was the trip that confirmed I had achieved something with the PPL. You have to trust in your training and plan and double plan to take the loved ones in an old areoplane, across water to an unfamiliar airfield. It makes me smile to know I can take the kids to the IOW for an ice-cream.
MAF