Transcribed press release from back of photograph: "Howard Hughes' flying boat, world's largest plane, rides free off Terminal Island in Los Angeles Harbor immediately after its launching yesterday. The plane's vertical stabilizer tip rides about 80 feet above the water as the air giant floats for the first time. With Hughes at the controls, the colossal craft will get first water taxi tests today."
A picture of a historic marker for tourists to take a picture with. The sign has "Virginia City-Queen of the Comstock" inscribed on it with details about the Comstock Lode, which was "the largest body of precious metals ever discovered on Earth."
Howard Hughes on the flight deck of the HK-1, Flying Boat (the largest plane in the world) discussing with his flight engineer and radio operator, Dave Evans, the plans for the next day's taxi testing of the 400,000 pound craft. The flight deck occupies the upper level in the nose of the 219-foot hull. The Flying Boat was assembled on Terminal Island in the Los Angeles Harbor.
The black and white view of the Lockheed 14 aircraft in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Description written on the back of the photograph: "Like a Bouncing Ball, Howard Hughes landed at Minneapolis at 7:30 a.m., quickly refueled, and has off for New York at 8:11 a.m."