Howard Hughes (1905-1976), American aviation pioneer. Hughes inherited the family estate aged 18 and dropped out of university. In 1932, he formed the Hughes Aircraft Company to indulge his passion for aircraft. Hughes built and test-piloted some of the world's most advanced aircraft, setting numerous records. Hughes, who also became a film producer and Hollywood socialite, was one of the wealthiest men in the world. He lived as recluse for the last 20 years of his life. His legacy includes the endowment of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (founded 1953). This photograph is from a collection relating to the 1939 New York World's Fair.