If a pilot is released after being unable to report for duty, what discretion does crew scheduling have?

The correct response highlights that if a pilot is released after being unable to report for duty, crew scheduling has the discretion to allow them to work the trip. In this context, allowing the pilot to work the trip means that if the circumstances that prevented them from reporting are quickly resolved, or if they become available within the necessary time frame, scheduling can opt to let them resume their duty.

This situation often occurs when unforeseen circumstances affect a pilot's ability to be available, such as transportation issues or personal emergencies. If the situation resolves promptly, and it aligns with safety and regulatory compliance, the scheduling team might decide that the pilot can still undertake the assignment, ensuring operational continuity.

The other options suggest alternative actions crew scheduling might take, but they don’t apply directly to the situation where a pilot has been released due to inability to report. For instance, giving a new assignment or assigning another pilot might lead to unnecessary complications in covering the scheduled workload, while placing them on reserve implies that there is no immediate opportunity for them to work rather than being integrated back on duty right away. Thus, allowing the pilot to work the trip is a practical and responsive approach to managing flight operations.