Meet the air traffic controller who flies himself to work

Jake Hutzler, a 28-year-old air traffic controller based in Pueblo, Colorado, directs planes from an airport tower during the week and flies himself there once a week using a paramotor. Before his commute, he spreads out a wing outside his apartment complex, starts the motor, and takes off within seconds. For the next 20 minutes he cruises around 35 mph (56 kph) over open fields, passing landmarks like a highway, a water tower and the airport, all while listening to music. He calls the tower before takeoff, updates colleagues on his position and altitude, and waits for approval to land on the airport’s ramp. After a brief run and packing up, he begins his shift. The article also notes training began in 2021 in Florida and that federal ultralight rules apply.