Originally Posted by
14940674
Is it likely that this pilot program will (excuse the pun) get off the ground? Otherwise our discussions about the vast implications to foreign travelers who have to deal with many regional accents are academic.
Predicting the future is always risky. But, where TSA is concerned, the evidence we've seen is that virtually all pilot programs become mandatory in time --- usually, without official public discussion (FT doesn't count) or commentary.
The only "pilot" program that I can think of which didn't get implemented was the experiment with puffers, which failed for technical reasons.
So ... given past history, I'd have to say this program is likely to be fully deployed. Of course, I have no idea how this pilot will be judged for "success", so my opinion and $1 will buy you a soft drink at McD's ...