Does anyone know about how many furloughed pilots United will have to call to get 300 to come back next year?

I'll bet double that, about 600. Because so many have found gainful employment elsewhere, and they don't want to come back at the bottom on RSV, then get furloughed again (like at NWA and DAL) if there is a hiccup.

At least they're recalling; every airline who had furloughees has recalled except AA and USAirways. And those two probably won't until the end of the decade.

Talked with United Check-Airman, said between 1 in 3 to 1 in 5 coming back
Most are defering (sp?) to see what happens long(er) term with the company.
Latest at AA is no recalls until late next year, of course things can always change (good or bad)......

Actually we will start hiring next year, they are saying second quarter and the US Airways fuloughess get first crack at the posistions.

They are not hiring off the street. They are recalling furloughees. From what I hear its only 100 for 2006. There are 1500 furloughees for USAirways.