Senate Passes Huffman Bill Adopting Wright Flyer III as State Airplane

COLUMBUS— The Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 24 today, sponsored by State Senators Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City) and Terry Johnson (R-McDermott), which adopts the 1905 Wright Flyer III as the official state airplane. The aircraft was first flown by Orville and Wilbur Wright at Huffman Prairie outside of Dayton, Ohio, and is recognized as the world’s first practical airplane, staying in flight for 39 minutes and 24 seconds on October 5, 1905.

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

The 1905 Wright Flyer III is the only airplane in the country to be designated as a National Historic Landmark.

The original plane was carefully restored with the help and oversight of Orville in 1947, and is now on display at the Wright Brothers Aviation Center at Carillon Historic Park in Dayton.