Brief

Colorado air traffic controller commutes to tower by powered paraglider

Hutzler straps a motor‑powered wing to his back, flies 20 minutes at 35 mph and updates the tower on his position before landing on the airport ramp.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 03 Oct 2026 22:19:46 GMT

Jake Hutzler, a 28‑year‑old air traffic controller at Pueblo airport in Colorado, makes his weekly commute by powered paragliding, a motor‑driven wing that lifts him off the road outside his apartment.

What happened

Before take‑off, Hutzler spreads the wing on the street, starts the motor and runs until he lifts off. He spends about 20 minutes flying at roughly 35 mph (56 kph) over fields, a highway, a water tower and finally the airport. He contacts the control tower before departure, provides updates on his altitude and location while airborne, and waits for clearance to land on the ramp. After landing, he packs the wing, changes into his work shirt and begins his shift directing aircraft.

What the reports add

Fortune notes that Hutzler’s commute is “a view that almost nobody gets to experience,” highlighting the lack of a cockpit and the sense of freedom. The article also explains that powered paragliding, or paramotoring, requires no pilot’s license and costs far less than traditional aircraft, though it remains subject to federal ultralight‑vehicle rules that restrict operation to daylight and prohibit flights over congested areas.

What was said

“I’m very small and I don’t show up on radar,” Hutzler told Fortune. “They’ll want to kind of keep track of my location and get updates on my progress.”

“In a paramotor, you have a view that almost nobody gets to experience,” he added. “You’re just sitting there in the air and total freedom to go wherever you want.”

How it came about

Hutzler’s fascination with flight began in childhood, flying with his grandfather in a four‑seat aircraft. He logged about 20 hours toward a pilot’s license in college but stopped due to cost. A viral video of a man eating a hamburger while paramotoring inspired him to buy his own equipment in 2021, train in Florida, and later become an instructor. He now uses the hobby to commute, even proposing to his future wife with a staged “engine trouble” on the wing.

Key facts

Jake Hutzler flies to his Pueblo airport tower each week using a powered paraglider. (fortune.com)
The flight lasts about 20 minutes at roughly 35 mph (56 kph). (fortune.com)
He contacts the tower before take‑off and provides position updates while airborne. (fortune.com)
Powered paragliding requires no pilot’s license and is cheaper than traditional aircraft, but follows federal ultralight rules. (fortune.com)