If all airlines (especially regionals) required their pilots to have a residence within their base, they would have hardly any pilots. It's a personal choice of the pilot if they decide to move there or not. Many people choose to move because of convienance purposes. But a lot prefer to commute. Once enough senority is reached, commuting isn't really that bad a deal. But yes, until he has a commutable schedule, it will not be the best situation.
But don't start fighting yet! Especially when he doesn't even have any interviews scheduled!!
