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."

A view of Howard Hughes sitting in his XF-11 near Culver City, California.

A view of Howard Hughes sitting in his XF-11 near Culver City, California.

A view of Howard Hughes sitting in his XF-11 near Culver City, California.

Note: Cover has hotel logo and illustration of an American Colonial-era man and woman pointing the hands of a clock face to 12:00; the clock is set in holly bound with a ribbon printed "New Year Greetings." Menu is bound with red cord. Illustration of the hotel on page 2. Includes music program; Meade Orchestra, Jas. A. Meade, Leader Menu insert: Music Programs Restaurant: New St. Charles Hotel Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

A view of Howard Hughes' Flying Boat being prepared for a test run in San Pedro, California.