Howard Hughes under the propeller of his Douglas DC-3 aircraft. The photo was taken right before or after his first flight since the nearly fatal XF-11 crash in 1946.
Transcribed from attached press release: "Howard Hughes, right, noted aircraft designer and industrialist is shown for the first time on the flight deck of the famed Hughes flying boat, which he designed and built. It is the largest airplane in the world. The plane is now nearing completion on Terminal Island, in Los Angeles-Long Bay Harbor, May 12, 1947." Los Angeles Harbor is now known as Long Beach Harbor, California.
Transcribed from attached press release: "Howard Hughes, on the flight deck of his flying boat, world's largest airplane, discusses with his flight engineer and radio operator, plans for tomorrow's taxi testing of the 400,000 pound craft. The flight deck occupies the upper level in the nose of the 219-foot hull, Nov 1, 1947."
Unidentified men in the interior of the 219-foot long hull of the world's largest airplane, Howard Hughes' flying boat, prior to initial water taxi tests to be conducted with Hughes at the controls, Nov. 2, 1947.