Story perspectives

Air Traffic Controller Commutes by Paramotor After Approval

By Drooid · Oct 3, 2026, 3:03 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. air traffic controller Jake Hutzler flies a paramotor to his Pueblo, Colorado tower each week.
He launches from his apartment road, runs briefly, and flies 35 mph for a 20-minute commute.
He received manager approval in June 2026 after confirming two-way tower communication and ultralight rules.
Paramotors cost $8,000-$9,000, need no pilot’s license, and his Instagram posts have drawn tens of thousands of viewers.

History

Historical Context

The FAA established FAR 103 during the late 1970s, capping powered ultralights at 254 lb empty weight, 55 mph top speed and eliminating pilot-license requirements. That minimal oversight later inspired the 2004 Light-sport aircraft category and remains in force. Jake Hutzler’s 2026 $8,500 paramotor commute in Pueblo, Colorado follows those same limits, illustrating the rule’s lasting influence on low-cost aerial travel.

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Story summary

U.S. air traffic controller Jake Hutzler flies a paramotor to his Pueblo, Colorado tower each week.
He launches from his apartment road, runs briefly, and flies 35 mph for a 20-minute commute.
He received manager approval in June 2026 after confirming two-way tower communication and ultralight rules.
Paramotors cost $8,000-$9,000, need no pilot’s license, and his Instagram posts have drawn tens of thousands of viewers.

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