Senate Passes Bill Designating Wright Flyer III as Ohio's Official Airplane

COLUMBUS - The Senate passed a bill today sponsored by State Senators Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City) and Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) designating the 1905 Wright Flyer III as the official airplane of Ohio. First flown on June 23, 1905 near Dayton, Ohio, and designed and built by Orville and Wilbur Wright, it is recognized as the world’s first practical airplane.

"The Wright brothers significantly contributed to Ohio’s rich history and altered how the world views transportation," said Huffman. "While already recognized nationally, the technology they developed here is worthy of statewide recognition."

The Wright Flyer III was the third iteration of the Wright Flyer, and the first that was able to maintain sustained, controlled flight. The longest flight in the Wright Flyer III took place on October 5, 1905 and lasted 39 minutes and 24 seconds. Senate Bill 42 recognizes this accomplishment that changed the world.

When determining which of their flying inventions would best exemplify their contributions to air travel, Orville Wright himself chose the 1905 Wright Flyer III. In 1947, the original plane was carefully restored with the help and oversight of Orville, and is now on display at the Wright Brothers Aviation Center at Carillon Historic Park in Dayton. On June 21, 1990, it became the only airplane in the country to be designated as a National Historic Landmark.