Senate passes bill to designate Wright Flyer III as Ohio's official airplane

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WKEF) -- On Wednesday, March 29, the Senate approved a measure supported by State Senators Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City) and Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) establishing the 1905 Wright Flyer III as the official airplane of Ohio.

The aircraft was first flown on June 23, 1905 near Dayton, and was designed and built by Orville and Wilbur Wright. It is now 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 installment of the Wright Flyer, and was the first to maintain sustained, controlled flight.

The Wright Flyer III's longest flight, which lasted 39 minutes and 24 seconds, occurred on October 5, 1905. Senate Bill 42 honors this achievement that changed the world.

Orville Wright personally made the decision to highlight the 1905 Wright Flyer III as the best example of their contributions to aviation.

With Orville's assistance and supervision, the original aircraft was carefully restored in 1947 and is now on display at the Wright Brothers Aviation Center in Carillon Historic Park in Dayton.

It was the only aircraft in the nation to be designated a National Historic Landmark on June 21, 1990.