Top view of the Hughes H-1 Racer with an X painted over its R registration number on its starboard wing. The registration number NX 258Y is seen on the rudder.
Howard Hughes (left, in dark coat) noted designer, builder, and industrialist entering the hull of the Hughes Flying Boat, the largest airplane in the world, as it was nearing completion on Terminal Island in the Los Angeles Harbor. With him is Joe Petralli, assistant director of service and flight.