I think your "friend" needs to find a flying buddy. I think it is quite normal to feel a bit apprehensive just after the PPL, as lets face it, you don't really know that much and the reality sinks in that no one, but yourself, will get you out of trouble!. As you get more experience and you *know* what to do, then this apprehensiveness disappears, so keep flying. It is the Type A superPilot I am scared of- those that DON'T feel a little bit apprehensive right after their PPL.
I also find flying alone a bit boring really. Who wants to be Johnny No Mates sitting in the airport cafe talking about planes to the rest of the spotters?
Yea having the wings off our Commander was very reassuring - to see big wing spars and big bolts holding it together! not sure I'd go up and do spins in a 30 year old flying club Cessna though.
PS Top Gun wasn't real
