Gantshill,

When I was in your shoes, having not long passed, I talked to my instructor and the CFI. I then went up with them to get practice in conditions that were out of my comfort zone. Useful practice for me, and made them feel more comfortable if ever I wanted to rent from them in those conditions.

TPP

Don't know what happened to Mad Jock as used to love his posts but haven't seen him post for a long time ??

He used to claim that it was always windy in Scotland and that students were used to dealing with strong winds!

The only way is a baptism of fire and I too would recommend choosing a strong wind day, going up with an instructor and see how you do !

You cannot learn to fly in bad conditions unless you fly in bad conditions and that is far safer under the eyes of an experienced pilot than learning yourself because you have been caught out by weather on your own

Pace

I fly a light high-wing aircraft in a windy and gusty area. When it is particularly windy and gusty I don't use flap.

This feature would be handy in cross-winds:
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/.../nc9270k-1.jpg