For most people, the daily commute means navigating congested roads or squeezing into public transport. Jacob Hutzler, an air traffic controller in the US state of Colorado, has found a far more unusual alternative: he flies to work on a paramotor, completing the journey in around 20 minutes.
Hutzler recently shared a video on Instagram showing how he replaces his regular commute with a flight through the sky. The clip captures his preparations at home, his journey towards the airport and his landing near the air traffic control tower where he works.
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Unlike conventional aircraft, a paramotor does not require a runway for take-off. It combines a paraglider wing with a motor and propeller carried on the pilot's back, allowing the pilot to launch on foot.
“Here's how I fly my Paramotor to work as an air traffic Controller. A paramotor is basically a paraglider with a propeller backpack. You strap a motor and propeller to your back, launch on foot, and fly,” Hutzler explained.
He also identified the equipment he uses for the journey, saying, “I'm flying my Parajet Maverick paired with an Ozone Sirocco 3 18m wing. The Maverick is an absolute beast of a setup, and the Sirocco 3 gives me that perfect mix of speed, performance, and handling.”
How Does He Fly To Work?
The video shows Hutzler carrying his flying equipment outside his apartment complex before spreading out the wing and checking his motor. Once his preparations are complete, he takes a running start and lifts off.
Footage from the flight offers a view of the ground below as he makes his way towards the airport. At one point, he is seen crossing his legs while airborne, giving the journey an almost leisurely appearance.
However, the commute requires more than simply taking off and heading towards his workplace. Hutzler explained that he must establish radio communication with the control tower before entering the airport's Class Delta airspace.
“It is only a 20-minute flight to the tower, and I have to establish two-way communications with the tower before I enter the Class Delta airspace,” he said.
As he approaches the airport, Hutzler contacts his colleagues at the tower and requests permission for his planned manoeuvre and landing south of the airport.
“Paramotor Papa Juliet, approved as requested. Landing at your own risk. Use caution, wind calm,” the tower responds.
The clip then shows him completing the approach and landing, bringing his unconventional journey to an end.
Viral Video Draws Amused Reactions
Hutzler's unusual commute has caught the attention of social media users, with viewers reacting to the idea of flying to work instead of battling road traffic.
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Some users joked that rising fuel prices could make such an alternative appealing, while another imagined Hutzler explaining a late arrival by blaming aerial traffic and birds. Others focused on the novelty of his routine, with one viewer describing it as the coolest commute to work they had ever seen.
“Oh, I so wish I could do this. Just fly over ATL traffic,” a user said. “This is awesome. I want to fly into work too. You're saving gas money,” added another.