Suggestion for Enhanced Oxygen System Realism in Future Updates
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First, thank you for the incredible depth of simulation in the Bonanza Professional. The attention to system details—especially the engine thermodynamics, failure modeling, and environmental simulation—sets a new standard for GA aircraft in MSFS.
I’d like to respectfully suggest an enhancement to the oxygen system to bring it even closer to real-world procedures and immersion.
Current implementation:
The oxygen system is activated via a simple ON/OFF switch, and oxygen saturation is realistically modeled via the tablet’s pulse oximeter. This works well functionally, but it misses an opportunity for deeper hands-on realism.Suggested improvements:
Interactive Oxygen Mask
A 3D-modeled, clickable mask in the cockpit (mounted on the left sidewall or panel) that the pilot must “don” manually.
This would require the user to physically click the mask before oxygen flow begins, simulating real pre-flight or emergency drills.
Flow Control Knob
In many real aircraft, the oxygen system includes a flow regulator or selector (e.g., “NORMAL” / “EMERGENCY” or a continuous knob).
Adding a flow control would allow pilots to adjust oxygen delivery based on altitude or physiological need, with corresponding effects on cylinder depletion rate.
Visual/Audio Feedback
Subtle mask-fogging effects in cold conditions.
Audible oxygen flow/hissing when the mask is on and the system is active.
Breathing sounds that intensify under high workload or hypoxia.
Optional Realism Toggle
In the tablet’s options page, a setting could allow users to choose:
Simple mode: ON/OFF switch only (current behavior).
Realistic mode: Mask must be donned + flow control required.
Why this matters:
For pilots training in high-altitude operations or practicing emergency procedures, these small interactions add layers of authenticity and muscle memory. Given Black Square’s reputation for system-depth, this would be a natural extension of your already outstanding simulation philosophy.Thank you for considering this feedback, and keep up the fantastic work.
Best regards.
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts. As usual, I have considered almost all of these at one point or another. The variable flow rate, in particular, I have come really close to implementing in some of my aircraft. The donning and doffing, you will see implemented in my Starship, King Air, and TBM by pressing the tabs on the mask to inflate the quick donning function. As for the "effects", I really wish there was a good way to do this in MSFS, but I have yet to see an addon come up with a clever solution. The only options I've considered are very ham-fisted, and I wouldn't feel confident about their reception. I will keep looking for clever solutions, but for the time being, I would say that variable flow rate is the most likely of these that you might see from me. Thanks for sharing! I hope my message doesn't sound like a dismissal of any kind. The only way I know what features will be most enjoyed by the community is when you share them with me, so I am always happy to hear from you!
