In my opinion it's going to happen. Rocky posted this link a little while back. It shows the FAA is willing to change their guidelines. This is good news for GTE.
testing Sanswire 2 in restricted airspace and commercializing the airships are two completely different scenarios. I have no reason to believe the Sanswire 2 test won't happen, provided Sanswire 2 clears the processes of FAA/NASA and Air Force. Remember also that Palmdale, where S2 is being built, is in FAA airspace and must be moved to restricted airspace at Edwards.
In the following paragraphs Mr. Jones made it quite clear when he came on board who and what they had to deal with before the testing of S-2 was to take place...
According to Mr. Jones, the FAA has directed Sanswire to conduct the flight test at the Edwards Air Force Test Range and that the Company is closely working with the FAA and the Air Force for concession for the Airship to transition from FAA controlled airspace at Palmdale to Edwards 2508 restricted airspace at Edwards Air Force Base. This will enable Sanswire to further test the Airship at the Air Force Flight Test Center and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. Edwards Air Force Base has been the location of many historical events in aerospace history, including landing of the Space Shuttle and record breaking speeds.
Sanswire plans to do tethered test outside of the hanger at its current location at San Bernardino Airport, California to validate the structural integrity and to collect needed data. After the test, the airship will be transported to the Palmdale secured hangar next to Edwards Air force Base. These tests will in no way delay the process already underway to clear the airship for flight on the test range at Edwards.
Mr. Jones also commented that clearance of many FAA and governmental processes are necessary to enable Sanswire One to safely fly at the Air Force Flight Test Center and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. Currently, the FAA is working on a process to allow unmanned aerial vehicles, such as Sanswire One, to safely operate in the national air space. Also, the Air Force and NASA has their own flight test and safety approval processes that must be accomplished. These processes require additional time and resources to satisfy the governmental agencies. All new aerospace vehicles, even military, must go through these processes. These processes are in place to protect high value government and public assets as well as the safety of the general public. http://www.investorshub.com/boards/read_msg.asp?message_id=6041495