IIRC AWAC had ~850 pilots when they had 88 airplanes operating for United. Now it's 65 airplanes... guessing with 117 they probably need around 700 to feel comfortable, however my guess is they'll end up with ~650.

How do block hours for United compare to the recent hours under AA? That's a better indicator of how many guys are needed.

That being said take a risk and roll the dice, they might get more airplanes as XJT winds down.