Air Traffic Controller Commutes Via Powered Paraglider

Jake Hutzler, a 28-year-old air traffic controller based in Colorado, has adopted a unique method for his weekly commute: a powered paraglider. Instead of driving, Hutzler straps a propeller to his back, unfurls a large wing on the road outside his apartment complex, and takes to the skies. This unconventional journey begins with him firing up the motor and running, lifting off the ground within seconds. For approximately 20 minutes, Hutzler flies at a speed of 35 mph (56 kph) over the expansive fields surrounding Pueblo, a city situated near the Front Range mountains. His aerial route takes him over a highway, a water tower, and ultimately, the airport where he is employed. During his flight, Hutzler listens to music and maintains communication with his colleagues in the control tower. He calls the tower before takeoff to inform them of his impending arrival and provides ongoing updates on his location and altitude while airborne. Hutzler explains that his powered paraglider is too small to appear on radar, necessitating these regular updates for his colleagues to track his progress. Upon approaching the airport, he awaits clearance from the tower to land on the airport’s ramp. He then uses toggles to reduce his speed, allowing his feet to dangle before making a soft landing with a brief jog. After landing, Hutzler packs his equipment, removes his jacket to reveal his collared work shirt, and commences his duties directing air traffic, ensuring the safe landing and takeoff of aircraft. This commute fulfills a lifelong fascination with flight that Hutzler has held since childhood, offering an experience he describes as being as close to flying like a bird as possible. He highlights the unparalleled perspective afforded by a paramotor, noting the absence of a cockpit and the feeling of total freedom to navigate the skies. His early exposure to aviation began with his grandfather, who would take him on flights in a small four-seat aircraft. While Hutzler pursued a pilot's license during college, accumulating approximately 20 hours of flight time, the prohibitive costs prevented him from continuing. His interest in paramotoring was reignited after encountering a viral video showcasing a man flying a paramotor, which ultimately inspired him to pursue this method of personal flight.