In this study, the reflection of the L(0,2), axially symmetric guided elastic wave from defects in pipes above ground is examined using finite element method. Phase and group velocity dispersion curves for the pipe were presented for the selection of the excitation mode. Some simple signal processing was applied to determine the amplitude of each of the reflected waves and to calculate the reflection coefficient. The results show the reflection coefficient of this mode is very close to a linear function of the circumferential extent of the defect. The motivation for the work was the development of a technique for inspecting chemical plant pipelines, but the study addresses the nature of the reflection function and its general applicability.