I've got a question on how schedules are reasoned out. I'm looking at January 717A for NYC (I assume 717B will be fairly similar). There was only enough flying to build 6 lines, yet there are over 30 people sitting reserve. How will the company use that 80% of the pilots who are sitting reserve? It surely can't be to cover just those 6 guys who will get schedules can it?

I understand there is only so much flying for the new category, and if so how will the company use these reserves? Will they be DH'd to another base to fly elsewhere?

I admit this is a self-serving question. Even as a new hire I am in the top half of my category; however, since there is so little flying I'm sure to get a reserve line. Because I'm out of SAT, I can't sit long call from home since there too many instances where I'd probably not be able to get to NYC in <12 hours -- even with perfect weather -- and almost none where I'd have my "unable to commute" backup. I don't mind paying my dues, but it would seem kind of silly for me to sit in a crash pad for the entire month only to be DH'd out of base to go fly somewhere else . Am I reading this correctly, or am I overlooking better options?

Thanks!