Senate Passes Johnson Bill Adopting Wright Flyer III as State Airplane

COLUMBUS— The Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 24 today, sponsored by State Senators Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) and  Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City), 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.

"This was an invention that truly changed the world," said Senator Johnson. "Modern aviation began right here in Ohio, and it is important that we recognize the Wright Brothers' accomplishment as a truly significant part of our heritage, one that has made such a profound contribution to our state, our country, and the entire human race."

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.