Howard Hughes by Snake Blocker

The purpose of this paper is to educate the reader on the great progress that Howard Hughes contributed to the aviation field. Had it not been for the dedication and willingness to take risks from visionaries like Mr. Hughes, the aviation industry would not have advanced as quickly as it had. The importance of this research is to help understand the sacrifices of this great man. These sacrifices helped shape the aviation industry, and make it what it is today. Howard Hughes had his share of critics and competition that wanted to see him fail; and had he quit, the aviation industry would not have had the progress that it did. In spite of the criticisms and haters, Howard Hughes had a vision to improve airplane designs, aerodynamics, materials used, and horse-power. Not only did he and his team improve the technology, but his competitors also became determined and motivated to surpass Mr. Hughes' progress. Howard Hughes was a perfectionist, who never settled for mediocrity. He wanted his aircraft to be faster, stronger, and more efficient than anything in the industry. He got his hands dirty in the process and he tested all his planes first, even at the risk of dying. He broke world record for speed, and not only did he break it by a fraction, he broke records that were said to be impossible feats to accomplish. Howard Hughes was indeed the greatest aviator of his time and the entire aviation industry benefited from his hard work and sacrifices.

INTRODUCTION

Howard Hughes – The Greatest Aviator of His Time

This study will examine the life of Howard Hughes with a focus on his contribution to the aviation community. The thesis will be based upon research identifying Mr. Hughes as one of the greatest aviators of his time. The thesis will argue the positive and negative sides of the man. This paper will also support the facts of Howard Hughes' great accomplishments in aviation. It will include the timeframe of when Mr. Hughes was born and go till his death. Questions about the great Howard Hughes will be covered including: Was the man a genius or crazy? Did he hurt the commercial airline industry by competing in international routes? Did Howard Hughes' H-1 [Hughes-1] and H-4 [Hughes-4] airplanes become a success? Did his parent's money play a role in his success? The term paper will also discuss Howard Hughes "the inventor," "the pilot," "the pioneer," "the producer," "the billionaire," "the womanizer" and "the perfectionist." Howard Hughes lived an extraordinary life. He not only benefited himself but the aviation world as a whole. Mr. Hughes helped with the war efforts in research and development and he paved the way for those that came after him. Howard Hughes broke several world records, received multiple awards for his movies, and helped thousands of people through his scholarship programs. The paper will discuss what was true and what was mere fiction? Did Howard Hughes bribe politicians and military leaders? Did he manipulate the stock market? Did he waste government funds on projects that would never be used? Some things are true about the man, for he was no angel, but the fact remain that Howard Hughes accomplished many great things in his lifetime.

Howard Hughes – The Greatest Aviator of His Time 2

Howard Robard Hughes Jr., AKA Little Howard and Sonny (24 December 1905 – 5 April 1976) was born to millionaire parents who owned a tool company. He was born in Texas but later spent a majority of his life in California. At any early age, Howard Hughes Jr. would enjoy exploring and inventing things. While other children were riding bicycles, Howard was putting a motor on his bicycle. He had few friends, even as a child. He would rather invent things than play with friends. When Little Howard was 11 years old he built his own ham radio, then at age 13 he built his own motorcycle from parts of his father's steam car. By age 14, he held his own patent on one of his inventions. After seeing an airplane demonstration, Sonny wanted to take flying lessons. Both his parents were against it but reluctantly gave in and he began to take lesson with various pilots who were crop dusters. Howard Hughes was never a great student of traditional schools. He had attended seven different schools and stood six feet three inches by the time he was sixteen years old. Around 1923, his mother, Allen Stone Gano [Hughes], died from complications from an ectopic pregnancy. In 1924, his father, Howard Hughes, AKA "Big Howard," died of a heart attack. Hughes Jr. inherited the family business before age 18. By age 21, he controlled 75% of Hughes Tools. Although Howard Hughes Sr. had left $871,518 to his son, he also left about $300,000