I am just now returning to FSX with a new machine.  Do I recall correctly that it is IMPOSSIBLE with the "volumetric" clouds, to simulate solid IFR ... with zero visibility in the clouds and the ability to break out in the clear?   With previous versions I could be solid IFR and break out at Decision Height or Minimum Descent Altitude if I had the ceilings set properly. What is the best proper way to set the weather to simulate true solid cloud until break out into the open on descent?  If this can't be done, then the sim is not helpful for simulating real approaches unless you just black out the entire outside window.  I don't want to be able to see things through the clouds (except when flying through a broken layer) until I breakout on the approach.  I will be using the newest version of REX and Active Sky, if that makes a difference.

 

 Thanks ahead for any info! - Steve

If you have Active Sky Next than, yes, be prepared for solid IFR conditions till breakout. Once you are in an ASN-driven cloud, their effect engine takes over and you are essentially inside a solid bubble of IFR till breakout.

 

Goto ASN's top toolbar, click search, pick visibility and/or cloud ceiling... have fun. 

I am just now returning to FSX with a new machine.  Do I recall correctly that it is IMPOSSIBLE with the "volumetric" clouds, to simulate solid IFR ... with zero visibility in the clouds and the ability to break out in the clear?   With previous versions I could be solid IFR and break out at Decision Height or Minimum Descent Altitude if I had the ceilings set properly. What is the best proper way to set the weather to simulate true solid cloud until break out into the open on descent?  If this can't be done, then the sim is not helpful for simulating real approaches unless you just black out the entire outside window.  I don't want to be able to see things through the clouds (except when flying through a broken layer) until I breakout on the approach.  I will be using the newest version of REX and Active Sky, if that makes a difference.

 

 Thanks ahead for any info! - Steve

 

With ASN you can't see S*** in the clouds. love it. Also the transparency is gradient.

How exciting is that possibility!! Thanks guys... Sounds like ASN has a handle on this.  My earlier version (Evolution, I believe) didn't help.  Can't wait to give it a try.  Machine coming next Tuesday.  Currently organizing software for re-install.  AS soon as I find my ASE key, to be sure I can use the cheaper upgrade version, I will download ASN.

I've found that setting a fog layer with a bottom at 200 feet simulates a break out pretty well. But after reading this I may have to try ASN