7. A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SPUKTA REGULATIONS: A STUDY OF VLOS OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES IN CONTROLLED AIRSPACE BETWEEN THE FAA, EASA, AND DGCA INDONESIA

Abstrak

This study aims to critically analyze and compare the SPUKTA VLOS operational
procedure framework in the Control Area established by three major aviation authorities: the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA),
and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Indonesia. The integration of Small
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SPUKTA) or drones into civil airspace, particularly in the Control
Area (CTR), requires strict and uniform operational procedures. The most common Visual Line
of Sight (VLOS) operations pose a high risk in controlled airspace if not properly regulated.
Using a descriptive qualitative method with comparative content analysis of primary regulatory
documents (FAA Part 107, EASA Reg. (EU) 2019/947, pm 37 of 2020 and PM 63 of
2021/CASR Part 107 Indonesia), the comparison focuses on five key procedural variables:
Operational Clearance Mechanism, Operational Altitude Limit, Pilot Communication
Requirements, Time Window Provisions, and Pre-flight Procedures. The results show that
while the FAA and EASA offer mature systems (automated LAANC vs. risk-based Geozone),
the Indonesian DGCA relies on manual permitting processes and local authority discretion.
This disparity indicates a gap in regional automation and standardization. This study
recommends that the Indonesian DGCA consider implementing a real-time authorization
system and digital Geozone to improve compliance and efficiency of VLOS SPUKTA
operations in the Control Area.