Doing a couple of solo flights to random airfields before starting to bring along friends does sound like a good idea, even if it's just following routes I've already flown solo before. Once I start taking passengers I'll probably start with the ones I'm reasonably sure can keep calm and quiet when told to
Thanks a lot for the advice, please keep the thread going, all replies have been brilliant thus far
One question. The flying club I'm now with only has PA-28's (well, three -161:s and two -181:s, but they're not that different from each other). Other clubs in the general area also have Cessnas, DA20's and Super Cubs. Is getting checked out on other models of aircraft something to strive for early on?