Air traffic controller Jake Hutzler commutes to Pueblo Airport by paramotor

Commute details

Hutzler departs from his apartment complex and flies a paramotor for roughly 20 minutes at a speed of about 35 mph (56 kph) above Pueblo, Colorado. He updates tower personnel on his location and altitude during the flight.

Paramotors are classified as ultralight vehicles and must be operated only during daylight and away from congested cities and towns. A wind of about 10 mph (16 kph) is needed to keep the paramotor stable on the ground.

Training and licensing

Hutzler began paramotor training in 2021 in Florida and later became an instructor. He has accumulated about 20 hours toward a pilot’s license but stopped due to cost. Paramotors require no pilot’s license and are less expensive than other forms of flying.