DAYTON, Ohio — While visiting Carillon Historical Park in Dayton on Friday morning, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine held a ceremonial bill signing to designate the 1905 Wright Flyer III as the official state airplane.

Senate Bill 24, sponsored by Sens. Terry Johnson, R-McDermott, and Steve Huffman, R-Tipp City, was officially signed by DeWine in April. The ceremonial event celebrated Ohio’s newly designated state plane, which was first flown by Orville Wright on June 23, 1905, near Dayton.

“The 1905 Wright Flyer III is a prime example of why Ohio is considered the heart of innovation,” said DeWine. “Making the Wright Flyer III the official state airplane is a great way to honor Ohio’s aviation heritage.”

Friday’s event took place inside the John W. Berry Sr. Wright Brothers National Museum beside the original 1905 Wright Flyer III, where DeWine was also joined by descendants of the Wright brothers.