Guys (and Gals),
IMHO I do not believe that high wind flying is something that I would blindly suggest to a beginning RC pilot. While our planes aerodynamically mimic their full scale cousins the conditions in which we fly affect each one differently. Most small (real)aircraft are definitely effected by the wind and to that extent flying in extreme weather is HIGHLY discouraged. Keep in mind too that a 20mph wind is exponentially harder for a model aircraft than a real plane. I have no apprehension of flying in windy conditions but I will steer away from high gusty conditions. Downdrafts, on landing will smash an RC model ( and in some cases the real thing) quicker than you can react. I would rather spend my time working in my workshop on extreme windy days instead of asking for a crash! Besides, it's hard to pick up balsa and monokote pieces on a windy day.

Happy Flying!

Loopman [:-]