I was surprised to see that most pipeline jobs require 1500+hrs tt I was looking into it as an alternative to CFI

These days, you can’t get a job flying a f’n drone without an ATP written and 1500TT. Hiring minimums have gone up dramatically.

That's because they have a big pool of pilots to pick from right now.

Multi engine pipeline patrol
 

Does anyone know of any pipeline patrol companies that use multi-engine aircraft? I have a little over a year of pipeline patrol experience and wouldn't mind continuing if I could get some multi time (or turbine time.)

I know there's got to be at least one because I've heard them on the radio out by Laredo and McAllen Texas.

I saw a King Air doing pipeline control once around Austin!
No idea who owns or operates it, but I was very surprised.
Must be a specialized type of pipeline patrol.

Pipeline Patrol is flying the pipelines (there are hundreds of them, each hundreds to thousands of miles long) to check for damage, leaks, and encroachment. They do that periodically to ensure everything is okay.

Probably by this time next year CFI and patrol jobs will be a dime a dozen again

We used to call it the "Spaghetti Bowl".

Yes. People get upset about Keystone XL pipeline like it is the first in the world. Both crude oil and products pipelines have been in use everywhere for decades. A darn sight safer than rail cars or trucks.

Yeah, that's exactly what I'm seeing now as well. I am a fresh CPL and there is absolutely nothing for anyone below 500 hours, probably 1,000 hours at this point. CFI it is If I want to build any hours...