Beating Traffic With a Flying Machine
Commuting to work is often the most exhausting part of the day for millions of people around the world. Stuck in endless traffic jams, wasting fuel, and battling daily stress drains the energy before the workday even begins. While most people rely on public transport, cars, or bicycles, one young man in the United States decided to ditch the roads entirely and take to the skies.
Jacob Hutzler, a 28-year-old air traffic controller living in Pueblo, Colorado, has gone viral for his extraordinary daily commute. Instead of sitting behind the steering wheel of a car, he straps a motorized parachute to his back and flies straight to his office, turning heads and capturing the internet's imagination.
From Aviation Enthusiast to Commuter in the Sky
Fascinated by flight since childhood, Hutzler works professionally guiding aircraft from control towers. Finding himself with less time to enjoy his passion after starting his job, he decided to merge his hobby with his daily routine. Since June, whenever weather permits, he chooses to soar through the clouds rather than drive on the congested asphalt.
A paramotor consists of a large parachute wing and a motor-driven propeller strapped to the pilot's back. It does not require a large runway and can take off from open spaces with proper training and safety protocols. Hutzler lays out his wing outside his apartment, starts the motor, and launches into the air after a brief run.
Viral Video Captures the Unique Journey
Hutzler shared a video of his morning routine on Instagram, showing how he prepares his gear instead of grabbing car keys. He takes off into the open sky, navigates toward his workplace near the local airport, and lands smoothly before starting his shift. The footage has garnered widespread attention, amusing internet users worldwide.
"I fly my paramotor to work as an air traffic controller because it offers an unmatched perspective and completely eliminates road stress." — Jacob Hutzler, Air Traffic Controller
