"Drew Dalgleish" wrote

I would have thought pipeline patrol to be pretty easy hours. Flying
straight and level for long periods and mostly well under gross. What
am I missing?

Nap of the earth flying, jinking, turning and diving and climbing.

I believe they have to stay close to the pipeline for their sniffers to
work. That would put more stress on the airframe than training, except for
the landing gear.
--
Jim in NC