After experiencing less than satisfactory performance from his helicopter engine and gear box oil Jim Miller, owner and operator of New Jersey Chopper, made the switch to Air BP Lubricants’ turbo oil 2197 (BPTO 2197) – and has experienced improved performance and a range of additional benefits.

A former aviation advisor to the Continental and American Airline boards, and a member of the HAI, AOPA, EAA and ERHC, Jim Miller relies on his Bell Jet Ranger helicopter to help film crews capture unique footage for high-profile film productions and, in 2013, Jim flew the only helicopter permitted for the filming of the World Trade Center spire topping.

Due to the high-profile nature of his work, Jim is often required to fly his helicopter at low altitudes and at slow speeds. He found that this was increasing the engine temperature and putting pressure on the aircraft’s gearbox, requiring Jim to change his oil every 50 flying hours, and constantly monitor his main engine temperature during assignments.

Jim’s decision to take action came after noticing a squeaking sound coming from the blades – a problem he thought could be bad for business. After consulting his mechanic and discovering the problem could be related to lubrication and in particular oil coking, Jim approached an OEM representative at Oshkosh in 2012 and was recommended to switch to BPTO 2197.

Jim said the switch to High Performance Capable (HPC) oil BPTO 2197 has now led to savings in both time and money, with the advantage of more time in the air and less on the ground.
“You can’t put a price on lower operating temperatures and a better (performing) engine,” Jim said.

As a High Performance Capable lubricant, BPTO 2197 is able to operate at higher temperatures than Standard Performance Capable (SPC) oils, reducing component wear and improving engine reliability.

Jim said the transition was easy and he started to see the difference within weeks.

“Only two weeks after changing to BPTO 2197 the coking problem was alleviated and the squeaking noise had stopped,” Jim said.

Jim quickly started to see other benefits to his helicopter after making the switch to BPTO 2197, including an increase in flying hours between oil changes, lower operating temperatures and a significant improvement in oil color.

“I originally switched to BPTO 2197 to solve the coking problem but what I didn’t realize is that it would bring all of the other great benefits. I’d recommend it to anyone.

“The operating temperature is considerably cooler and this means there is much less wear and tear on my engine, which gives me peace of mind.

“I love using BPTO 2197. With BPTO 2197 I don’t need to worry about my engine temperature.”

About Air BP Lubricants
Air BP Lubricants specializes in developing aviation lubricant solutions for the commercial aviation industry. The business supports aviation turbine oil technology through new product development as well as providing customer and manufacturing support. As the industry’s leading turbine oil provider, Air BP Lubricants supplies the cleanest, most technologically advanced lubricants to major airlines, private operators, helicopter and military customers. Air BP Lubricants has a strong presence globally via direct sales as well as being represented locally through key distributors.

About Jim Miller
Jim Miller from New Jersey Chopper is a former aviation advisor to the Continental and American Airline boards, and is a member of the HAI, AOPA, EAA and ERHC. Jim relies on his Bell Jet Ranger helicopter to help film crews capture unique footage for high-profile TV, movie and commercial productions. His projects include shoots for theDiscovery Channel, History Channel and Disney. In 2013, Jim flew the only helicopter permitted for the filming of the World Trade Center spire topping and in 2012 he flew around the Empire State Building to film the Jay-Z and Alicia Keys film clip for the hit song Empire State of Mind.