A view of Howard Hughes' Flying Boat going on an unscheduled test run in San Pedro, California.

Description given with photo: "Flying Boat Put To Test - San Pedro, Calif. : Howard Hughes pilots his much-publicized flying boat on the first of a series of taxi runs in Los Angeles harbor on November 2nd. Shortly afterward, the millionaire plane builder took the giant ship up on a surprise half-mile flight. Credit Line (ACME) 11/04/47."

A view of Howard Hughes' Flying Boat going on an unscheduled test run 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.

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."

Description given with photo: "Surprise To Everyone - San Pedro, Calif. : Millionaire planemaker Howard Hughes is surrounded by members of the press after successfully taking his 200-ton flying boat into the air in a surprise flight during initial taxi tests in Los Angeles harbor. Credit (ACME) 11/5/47."

A view of Howard Hughes after he completed a test run of his Flying Boat in the Los Angeles harbor.