Howard Hughes: Aviator

by George J. Marrett

Marrett, an experimental test pilot for Hughes Aircraft Company from 1969 to 1989, tells the inside story of Howard Hughes, the aviation genius who set speed records in the 1930s and went on to develop some of America's most famous aircraft and weapons, becoming the country's first billionaire. B&w historical photos are included. Annotation 2004 Bo

Genres: Biography, Aviation, History

257 pages, Hardcover

First published October 15, 2004

Reviews

[Marshall Barney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book about Howard Hughes. In deepth insight on the planes he flew.

[Edelfelt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Howard Hughes was a wild man:
- aviators
- films
- living in the moment
- big money from oil and aviator company

He slept when sleepy. Ate when hungry. Was obsessed with things he wanted. Was jealous of attention. Did flights all around the world spontaniously. Hired people between the world and him. Took sannyas in later life and had nothing to do with the public. He isolated himself and was mentally ill when old.

[Gary Santos · Rating 3 out of 5]

The bio is heavy on names and dates. I wished it had more anecdotes. However, Hughes was notoriously reclusive and such anecdotes are minimal. The prelude and last chapter were the best part of the book.

[Ahmad Mokhtar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nourishing book on the aviation history. Not enjoyable for the most part, I liked the last chapters more so than the first.

[Terry R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Howard Hughes - Aviator – by George J. Marrett – Completed 11/18/2024
To my wife, J.E.M.; children, B.J.M.; A.N.C.; T.L.L. and their spouses.
This morning's coffee book was an interesting read. It had some information about the life of Howard Hughes but it would be a fascinating read if you were a pilot or plane builder. The book spent a lot of time on the designs of various aircraft including their tail numbers. It talked about the pilots and their history who had worked with Hughes but the stories told by the pilots and employees proved that Hughes was pretty eccentric. That made the book interesting. I just wanted more of the personal stories involving this extraordinary man.
Hughes was not only an impressive pilot and aircraft designer but also had many peculiar habits. Notably, he was a germaphobe, meticulously cleaning everything before he touched it. His lifestyle was unusual; he had a passionate interest in acquiring rare airplanes and invested millions in staff to maintain them in pristine condition, only to rarely fly them. Additionally, he hired top-notch employees and demanded their unwavering loyalty. You could see how challenging he was as a boss, especially with his specific written instructions on how to wash a plane.
At just 20 years old, Hughes aspired to be a film producer, the world's top aviator, and the richest man. He produced several films, including the Academy Award-winning "Two Arabian Nights." He also set numerous world aviation records, such as the transcontinental and around-the-world speed records. His ownership of Hughes Tool Company funded Hughes Aircraft, which was involved in revolutionary advancements in computers, electronic displays, communication satellites, satellite TV, GPS, and both medical and military technology.
He accomplished all three of his goals, but in the end, he lost all control of his life. Interesting book to read but not high on my recommend list.
Love Dad, T.R.M.

[Jeff Everett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not surprisingly, this book by one of Howard Hughes' former test pilots focuses on the technical details of his aviation career, as well as the events leading to his isolated later years. As one of the last "private citizen" aviation pioneers, Hughes had a brash, fearless approach to flying that, along with his innovative mind, led to his early triumphs in flight in the 1930s and early '40s. Ironically, as the book deftly portrays, this same approach would put him at odds with his employees, the military, and the government as air travel became more regulated. What once was brashness came to be seen as recklessness as Hughes stubbornly insisted on flying his own way without regard for flight plans, air traffic control, or other safety protocol that had been established. This, along with the numerous head injuries sustained in crashes during his test flights, likely contributed to the OCD-related oddities of his later years. Marrett does a good job describing Hughes' exhilarating early accomplishments while hinting at those aspects that would lead to the sad conclusion of his life. Well worth the read for anyone interested in aviation history.

[Pak1153 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good insight into the man HH