Howard Hughes waving to crowds in a parade in Houston, Texas in 1938.

A view of Howard Hughes installing a radar safety system for passenger planes in Culver City, California.

A view of Howard Hughes and others inspecting the construction of the Spruce Goose in San Pedro, California. From left to right, the men include: Wressey C. Cocue, Homer (Dave) Roe, Dave Graig, Dave Kuans, Glenn Odeuiru, Howard Hughes, Jack Jerman, Rea Hopper, Carl Baggerger, Bill Benny, Warren Reed, and Joseph Petrali.

A view of Howard Hughes' Flying Boat being prepared for a test run in Long Beach, California.

Typed onto a piece of paper attached to the image: "As Hughes Visited Washington To Thank Cordell Hull, Washing, D. C. -- Police escorting Howard Hughes holding hat, through the admiring throungs at the Washington Airport as the intrepid flyer and his four companions on his Round-The-World flight came to the Capital, July 21st, to personally thank Secretary of State Cordell Hull for his cooperation in clearing their take-offs on their flight. Credit Line (ACME) 7/21/38."

A view of Howard Hughes (wearing headphones, left) inside and at the controls of the Spruce Goose in San Pedro, California.

A view of Howard Hughes (wearing headphones, left) inside and at the controls of the Spruce Goose in San Pedro, California.