Ha, not a pro, but I
will mention, that it gets easier. If it was running 5-12 mph inside a hollow, though, I expect it was a bit higher in the open air, and you were probably experiencing a lot of random currents. It seems like the wind is less in shelter, but you get eddies and rotors as the wind spills over the edges that will make it a lot harder to fly. I'd give it a shot in an open area (hopefully with less wind). There's no doubt a larger heli will treat better with the wind, but a larger open area without the messed up airflow is a lot easier even with a smaller one.
[edit] But... now I notice where you live, maybe less wind is only a hope.
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ORIGINAL: RC David
FIRST OUTDOOR FLIGHT
Well guys, after learning to fly my MT (first heli other than blade CX-2) indoors for about 12 weeks I finally tried to fly her outside today. It was a "HANDFUL". I went down into this retention pond about the size of 3 football fields and 40+ feet deep. It's a little less windy down there. I had my new Kestral wind guage and in the pit the wind was about 5-8 mph continuous with almost constant gusting to 12 mph. That might be calm for you pro's but not for someone who never flew outside before.
I flew 3 packs almost back to back.
I pretty much kept her in front of me facing away, into the wind. I must say, I did not enjoy flying in that wind. I know there will be calmer days but it was a little discouraging. I've been contemplating a 2nd heli and have now decided to go bigger. I like the Thunder Tiger E550 Raptor but it requires larger, more expensive 6s packs so I've decided on a GAUI Hurricane 550 which will run on 2 3s packs.
I can't decide on getting the CF frame/plastic head or plastic frame metal head (GAUI does not offer a CF/metal head version).
Any input from you heli pros would be GREATLY appreciated.
Dave D.