Transcribed from press release attached to photo: "HUGHES READY FOR TAKE-OFF IN SECOND XF-11 FLIGHT. CULVER CITY, Calif., April 5 -- Howard Hughes, famed flier-industrialist, recovered from injuries following crash last July 7, is shown here just before he test-piloted today a duplicate of the plane in which he nearly lost his life. He designed and built the plane, designated XF-11, and one of the world's fastest photo-reconnaissance ships, for the Army Air Forces in conjunction with the Air Materiel Command engineers.
Description given with photo: "Howard Hughes Interviewed By Newsmen After Flight - Terminal Island, Calif. : Photo shows Howard Hughes surrounded by radio interviewers, reporters, and well-wishers after he tested his flying boat the "HK-1" in Los Angeles harbor. He surprised onlookers by taking the huge 200-ton seaplane into the air for a mile flight at the altitude of 70 feet, with a speed of 100 M.P.H, then landing the craft with a very safe landing. Photo by Al Monteverge. 1-03-47."
The black and white view of Howard Hughes, surrounded by crowds, after arriving completing his Around the World tour at Floyd Bennett Airfield in New York.
The black and white view of Howard Hughes, surrounded by crowds, after arriving completing his Around the World tour at Floyd Bennett Airfield in New York.
The black and white view of Howard Hughes, surrounded by crowds, after arriving completing his Around the World tour at Floyd Bennett Airfield in New York.