Air warfare in World War II resulted in much consideration of air-based law enforcement afterward. In 1946, a Highway Department plane was made available for Patrol use. However, Sgt. Ernest Webb, a former barnstormer, pushed for the Patrol's own aircraft.

On May 4, 1948, Sgt. Webb got to pilot the newly purchased Beechcraft Bonanza V-tail. Its use was specifically spelled out: flood incident observation duty, major crimes, traffic details, aerial photography, transportation, aircraft law enforcement, air search, fire location, disaster survey, and errands of mercy.

The fleet grew over the years and remained the unit envisioned in the beginning - one that protects and serves Ohio motorists.

The obvious success of the use of aircraft to support ground operations of the Patrol, especially in traffic enforcement and motorist assistance, fostered an expansion of this program. Beginning this period with five aircraft, in July 1969, a federal grant of $280,000 enabled the purchase of two new Bell Jet Ranger helicopters. These were put into use on January 14, 1970. The old helicopter then was traded for four used Cessna Skyhawks, a conventional type of aircraft. Later, two additional Cessna Skyhawks were purchased, bringing the air fleet up to 10 conventional aircraft and two jet helicopters.

Of course, technology changed over the years. The Division now sports a Caravan aircraft that can operate covertly, day or night. Patrol planes also are equipped with electronics that can see heated objects in the dark; this aides in catching criminals, and finding those who have become lost. As of 2009, the Aviation Unit consists of 15 uniformed officer-pilots, two American Eurocopter turbine-powered helicopters, and 14 Cessna airplanes.