As far as I know, no regional "Requires" you to sit reserve. In a seniority list based company, schedules are built and bid on in order of seniority. And since most people don't want to be on reserve, that leaves the bottom feeders/n00bs with reserve. The company could care less who is on reserve. Sometimes, in the summer months, senior folks bid reserve because they'd rather be out on their boat or fishing or whatever, knowing they will hardly get called.

As for going to a regional and not sitting reserve for 6 months to a year. Good luck with that. Look at the industry..... and who's bankrupt or about to be bankrupt. Things are slow. Attrition and movement is not like the mid to late 90s. Expect to be on reserve for at least 3-4 months at any regional you're hired at. Maybe Colgan has quick movement. I can't think of really any stable, healthy reigonals that are showing quick movement up the list.

And I'm not trying to burst your bubble or get you down. It's today's reality. Things could change in a few years, though many folks have been wishful-thinking for awhile now.