A Fascinating Commute Above Colorado's Skies
Imagine flying to work in a paramotor, navigating the skies of Colorado while keeping in touch with your colleagues on the ground. For Jake Hutzler, a 28-year-old air traffic controller in Pueblo, this breathtaking commute is a reality. Every week, he embarks on a 20-minute aerial journey, propelled by a lightweight motor strapped to his back, soaring above fields and over the very airport where he directs incoming and outgoing flights.
From Bird-Watching to Bird-Flying
Hutzler has had a passion for flying since childhood, largely influenced by his grandfather, who introduced him to the wonders of aviation. After putting in hours toward a pilot’s license in college, his path shifted dramatically upon discovering the world of paramotoring—a form of powered paragliding that allowed him to achieve his dream of flight without the extensive costs of traditional flying.
The Unique Joy of Paramotoring
He emphasizes how paramotoring provides a uniquely liberating experience. “You have a view that almost nobody gets to experience,” he says, delighting in the freedom of gliding through the air without the confines of a cockpit. This exhilaration is not just personal; it’s also a shared adventure as Hutzler has brought others into the sport, including his wife, whom he trained for paramotoring. Even on their wedding day, their paramotors were a part of the celebration.
Challenges and Regulations of Flying
Despite the thrill, paramotoring is subject to regulations, as Hutzler ensures compliance when flying in airspace where he works. Effective communication with the tower is essential for safety, particularly since he operates an aircraft that is small and unmarked on radar. Hutzler's innovative commuting style is as much about his passion for aviation as it is about practicality, as the flexibility of paramotoring suits his busy schedule as a new air traffic controller.
A Vision for the Future
With dreams of introducing his daughter to flying, Hutzler reflects on how paramotoring has woven itself into the fabric of his life. As he meticulously prepares for each flight, it’s clear that he has found a way to merge his work with his passion for aviation. Flight is no longer just a job for him—it is a daily celebration of freedom and family that few can relate to.
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