Mike DeWine's helicopter returns to Columbus as drone bill awaits his signature

An Ohio State Highway Patrol Airbus H125 (N71HP) was tracked departing Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland at 00:29 UTC on June 25 and landing at Ohio State University Airport in Columbus 71 minutes later, per flight data. The helicopter, operated by the state for official travel, made the short hop after a series of Cleveland-area movements the previous day.

If Governor Mike DeWine was aboard, the timing places him in Columbus the same week he is weighing whether to sign or veto HB 251, the drone regulation bill passed by the Ohio Legislature. The legislation, which sets rules for police and private drone use, awaits DeWine's signature, as reported by [statenews.org](https://www.statenews.org/government-politics/2026-06-22/will-dewine-let-the-drone-bill-fly-into-law-or-will-he-ground-it).

The return to Columbus follows a familiar pattern: the governor frequently shuttles between Cleveland and the capital for events, announcements, and legislative business. The helicopter is often used for such regional trips, saving time over motorcade travel, though the state's fixed-wing King Air remains available for longer journeys.