No traffic jams, no runway: US man turns his commute into a 20-minute paramotor flight, taking to the ski

An air traffic controller in Colorado has been converting his daily commute into a paramotor flight, bypassing the usual drive to work. The routine involves spreading a wing on the ground, attaching a backpack-mounted motor and propeller, and launching for a roughly 20-minute flight to Pueblo Memorial Airport.

The journey unfolds at about 35 mph over the countryside surrounding Pueblo, offering an aerial view instead of the typical car ride. The flight lasts around 20 minutes, though setting up and packing away the gear means the total time compare-ably resembles a standard trip in terms of overall effort.

Hutzler coordinates with air traffic control before and during the approach to the airport, establishing two-way radio communication and updating colleagues on position and altitude. The tower grants permission for the approach with a warning that the landing is at the pilot’s own risk, reflecting the need to adhere to airspace rules.

The mode of transport is a Parajet Maverick motor paired with an Ozone Sirocco 3 wing, carried in a backpack frame. Preparation and pre-flight checks are necessary steps before take-off, and weather and conditions play a critical role in determining whether the trip is feasible on any given day.

This commuting choice is tied to Hutzler’s long-standing interest in aviation and represents a way to combine his passion with work responsibilities. Social media attention has amplified interest in the concept, while also highlighting that the arrangement requires careful planning, specific equipment, and compliance with airspace regulations.