I missed your first post, thanks.

The contract says that they release you by 1700 unless they can have you on a flight scheduled to depart by 1830. Work backwards... 2 hour callout and if they haven’t notified you by 1630, you’re good. The contract also says that you’ll report 45 min prior to scheduled departure time which moves that back to 1545.

I haven’t commuted on SCR since Dec 18, but I was released early numerous times. I usually called at 1600 and got released in time to catch my flight home. I was released at 1400 twice and made my earlier commute.

If scheduling won’t release you, explain it to them logically that they can’t use you and if that doesn’t work, conference in a chief pilot. We actually seem to have some food CPs right now but you have to know the contract.

P.S. if you’re in Knoxville, shift right one hour.

It also helps to be familiar with the remaining scheduled flights leaving your base on your final day of reserve. You’re probably spending that final day at the hotel or airport waiting to go home so use that time to formulate your argument (or defense). Schedulers hate dealing with pilots who know the contract.