gertduits,
I have not met anyone at the flight school that wasn't friendly, everyone there seems to be very nice and helpful, it's a great environment to be in. Yes you can choose your own course, you can do whatever you want, in whatever order you want to do it in, and as fast as you would like. You can fly once a week, once a month, or 5 days a week, it's up to you. I am currently getting my private, but after that I'm going to get my Multi Rating, then do my Instrument and Commercial in a Piper Seminole. As for payment, you don't have to pay up front, you can pay as you go. A lot of guys there pay with a credit card after each flight, or write a check after each flight...etc. So there are many options for payment, they will even allow your account to be negative and they will just bill you once a month if you prefer that method. They also have a great fleet of aircraft that is in very good condition and well maintained. I live over in Vancouver, Washington and drive out to Hillsboro. The reason I chose HAI is because my ex-girlfriends cousin of whom I had known for 5 years was a student there, then an instructor, and he had told me that it was one of the top rated flight schools in the northwest. He always said how great it was and how there were so many opportunities there and how nice the people were. Everything he has said is true, I highly recommend this school and hope to see you there! Any more questions don't hesitate to ask.
Joe