PUEBLO, Colo. — Jake Hutzler, a 28-year-old air traffic controller in Pueblo, Colorado, has turned his daily commute into an unconventional aerial journey. Once a week, instead of driving or walking, Hutzler pilots a paramotor—a powered paraglider—to reach the airport where he works.

Each flight begins outside his apartment complex where Hutzler assembles a large wing, starts the motor, and runs until he lifts off the ground. During the roughly 20-minute flight, he cruises at about 35 miles per hour over the open fields surrounding Pueblo, passing landmarks such as a highway, a water tower, and eventually the airport itself. While airborne, he communicates constantly with his colleagues in the airport tower, keeping them informed of his location and altitude since his small paramotor is not visible on radar.

“I’m very small and I don’t show up on radar,” Hutzler explained, noting the importance of maintaining contact with the control tower. As he approaches the airport, he requests clearance to land on the ramp, slowing the paramotor and touching down with a brief jog. After packing up his equipment and changing into his work attire, he begins his shift directing aircraft arrivals and departures.

Hutzler’s passion for flying dates back to childhood, when his grandfather would take him on small aircraft rides. He briefly pursued a pilot’s license in college but found the expenses to be prohibitive. His interest was renewed after seeing a viral video of someone flying a paramotor to a fast-food restaurant and eating mid-flight. Inspired, he began training in 2021 in Florida and has since become an instructor himself.

Paramotoring appeals to Hutzler for its accessibility and freedom. Unlike many forms of flying, the sport requires no license and costs significantly less. However, federal regulations restrict powered paragliding to daylight operation and prohibit flying over congested areas. Hutzler has carefully navigated these rules, including securing approval from his manager and coordinating with the airport to ensure safe communication and compliance as he flies into their airspace.

The hobby has also woven into his personal life. He trained his wife to fly, planned a marriage proposal involving a staged engine issue on his paramotor, and incorporated their paramotors into their wedding ceremony. They now look forward to introducing their 2½-year-old daughter to the sport with tandem flights in the future.

After starting his air traffic control career earlier this year, Hutzler found it challenging to dedicate time to flying for leisure. Combining work with passion, his paramotor commute offers a unique way to blend his profession with a lifelong enthusiasm for flight, weather permitting.