Description given with photo: "Hughes At Controls Of Sky Giant For Taxi Tests - Long Beach, Cal. : Howard Hughes, millionaire plane builder, flyer and movie maker, is shown at the controls of the world's largest flying boat prior to taking the 400,000-pound craft out for taxi tests on Los Angeles Harbor. The plane, which figured in the Senate investigation of Hughes' wartime activities last summer, is 219 feet long with a wingspan of 320 feet. It was launched today, but will not be air tested until next spring. Shortly after this photo was made it was announced that taxi tests had been postponed. 11/1/47."

From the Howard Cannon Photograph Collection (PH-00192). Inscription on verso: Senators L-R: Cannon, Nevada; Bartlet, Alaska; Thurmond, S. Carolina; Ervin, N. Carolina; Jackson, Washington; Symington, Missouri; Stennis, Mississippi; Russell, Georgia; Saltonstall, Mass.; Bridges, N. Hampshire; Case, S. Dakota; Bush, Connecticut; Beall, Md. Staff (standing) L-R: Atkinson; Nease; Braswell; Darden; Wingate