First test flight of the XF-11 at the Hughes Airport in Culver City, California in 1946.

The black and white view of a crowd of people awaiting the arrival of Howard Hughes at Floyd Bennett Airport in New York. Typed onto a piece of paper attached to the image: "Just before world fliers landed, Floyd Bennett Airport, N.Y. -- A small army of policemen pictured on the runway here shortly before Howard Hughes and his four companions landed, ending their Round-The-World flight. Note newsreel photographers on the right. In the background is the tent from which Hughes and his fellow fliers spoke to a vast radio audience. Credit line (ACME) 7(3/4)/14/38."

A view of Howard Hughes (right) being asked about his controversial XF-11 photo reconnaissance plane by Senator Harry Cain (left), Republican of Washington, in Culver City, California. An unidentified man sits between the two.

Howard Hughes landing in the Lockheed 14 in New York. Typed on a piece of paper attached to the image: "Howard Hughes lands in New York in flight from coast New York City-- the huge Lockheed "Flying Laboratory" of Howard Hughes, oil millionaire and air speed racer, being taxied to its hangar at Floyd Bennet field here, July 4th, shortly after landing on its leisurely trip from the Pacific Coast. Hughes and his crew will take off in it next week on a flight to Paris which may be followed by a flight around the world."

An overhead view of a parade procession celebrating Howard Hughes' completion of his round-the-world flight.

An overhead view of a parade procession celebrating Howard Hughes' completion of his round-the-world flight.

An overhead view of a parade procession celebrating Howard Hughes' completion of his round-the-world flight.