Hi i also read the Hughs auto bio.
I enjoyed it very much, he was a true lover of aviation, all be it a bit of a freak when it came to hygeine etc.
And i cant believe you called it the Spruce goose... Mr Hughes hated that, its the Hercules! : )
The plane did fly, even though it wasnt for very long. He was ment to bring it out for a taxi run, but he couldnt resist, so the let it fly for a few seconds then landed again.
Have a good weekend.