Pueblo Air Traffic Controller Replaces Morning Drive With Powered Paragliding
Jake Hutzler, a 28-year-old air traffic controller based in Pueblo, Colorado, routinely skips traditional highway traffic by strapping a small propeller to his back and flying a paramotor directly to his job at the airport, as reported by usnews.com. According to slashgear.com, the average American commute took just over 27 minutes in 2024, and Hutzler handles his transit by laying out a large wing near his apartment complex, firing up his motor, and taking to the skies for a 20-minute journey.
Before launching his paramotor into the Colorado air, Hutzler contacts the airport tower where he works to inform his colleagues of his impending arrival. Once airborne, he maintains two-way communication to report his precise coordinates and altitude. Because ultralight aircraft lack standard transponders that make them easily visible to primary radar systems, keeping the tower apprised of his exact flight path is a vital safety measure.
Equipment Mechanics and Federal Air Regulations
A paramotor consists of a specialized paraglider wing that generates aerodynamic lift, paired with a small engine and propeller enclosed inside a protective cage to provide forward thrust. Operating an ultralight vehicle in the United States does not require a pilot’s license. Federal Aviation Administration rules govern these aircraft, mandating that pilots remain below 18,000 feet, fly exclusively during daylight hours, and avoid congested cities and towns.
Equipment and training costs generally total around $15,000, making powered paragliding significantly more affordable than traditional aviation training in aircraft such as a Cessna 152. Hutzler began his training in Florida in 2021 before eventually becoming a certified instructor. While machines can reach speeds of approximately 35 mph and maintain a range exceeding 200 miles under optimal conditions, Hutzler’s commute requires careful monitoring of the atmosphere.
Weather Constraints and Flight Preparation
Commuting by air demands strict adherence to environmental conditions. Paramotor pilots generally avoid flying if wind speeds approach 10 to 12 mph, as light breezes, wind gusts, and thermal air currents can compromise control of the overhead wing. Flight preparation involves laying out the large fabric wing, checking all suspension lines for tangles, and packing everything away upon landing.
Hutzler lands on the airport’s ramp, packs up his gear, changes into his collared work shirt, and assumes his duties directing aircraft safely on the ground.
A Family Affair Born From Viral Inspiration
Hutzler’s fascination with flight began in childhood during flights with his grandfather in a small four-seat aircraft. Although he logged roughly 20 hours toward a traditional private pilot’s license in college, the financial expense proved prohibitive. His path shifted permanently after he viewed a viral video featuring a pilot flying a paramotor to a fast-food restaurant.
Aviation quickly integrated into his personal life. He trained the woman who would become his wife, proposed to her by staging simulated engine trouble to lure her toward a hidden ring, and incorporated paramotors into their wedding ceremony. When his air traffic control schedule left him with less time to fly after starting his new position, he consulted his manager, reviewed the rule book, and initiated his airborne commute.
