Kevin
We have all been there
When I started flying many moons ago I had this stupid idea that I could follow the roads sailing above all the traffic jams and using a light aircraft like a car sans traffic jams.
How badly mistaken I was.
Once you have your basic PPL yes there are things you can do with family and friends! More likely taking them up for trips around the local area or showing them their houses from the air.
You can sport a set of Raybans and impress your girlfriend with your top gun antics.
You maybe able at certain times of year when the weather is stable to take family and friends further afield but as a reliable means of transport with a basic PPL forget it!!!
Ok if you are a PPL instrument qualified flying a deiced/anti iced aircraft preferably a twin and have a solid level of experience you can reduce the poor despatch rates to better than the car but with the basic PPL forget it on 90% of the year.
Pace