The black and white view of mechanics working on the Lockheed 14 aircraft. Typed onto a piece of paper attached to the image: "Filling up the take with gasoline on Howard Hughes' plane in preparation for a take-off for Paris. At Floyd Bennett Field. July 1938."
Transcribed from attached press release: "HUGHES READY FOR TAKE-OFF IN SECOND XF-11 FLIGHT. CULVER CITY, Calif., April 5. Howard Hughes, famed flier-industrialist, recovered from injuries following crash last July 7, is shown here just before he test-piloted today a duplicate of the plane in which he nearly lost his life. He designed and built the plane, designated XF-11, and one of the world's fastest photo-reconnaissance ships, for the Army Air Forces in conjunction with the Air Materiel Command engineers."
Description given with photo: "Hughes Alone As Probers Recess Till Fall, Washington, D.C. - Plane builder Howard Hughes, above, sat alone in the normally jam-packed senate caucus room today after war investigating sub-committee chairman Homer Ferguson, (R) of Mich., announced that because of the disappearance of press agent John W. Meyer, the Hughes war contract investigation has been recessed until November 17, 1947. Hughes, shown checking his private papers, wrathfully termed the postponement action by the sub-committee chairman as "ridiculous." -INP Photo by A.E. Scott- 8/11/47."
Description given with photo: "Hughes Arrives in Washington, Washington: Howard Hughes (right) plane manufacturer, chats briefly with reporters at Washington National Airport today (Aug. 6) shortly after his flight from the west coast to Washington to appear before the Senate War Investigating Committee. In good humor, and wearing the battered "good luck" felt hat that he wore when he survived a crash of his controversial plane, Hughes told reporters that the third XF-11 photo-reconnaissance plane, the ship which Elliot Roosevelt recommended, is now flying. Hughes added that it is "a very fine ship". Credit (ACME) 8/7/47."
Description given with photo: "Howard Hughes Leaves In Own Plane For Investigation, Los Angeles, California - Howard Hughes is pictured as he was about to step abroad his private B-23 Transport plane just before his take-off for Washington, D.C., where he will appear before the Senate War Investigation Committee to testify about wartime plane contracts. The millionaire flier took with him an armload of records and other data he will use in testifying. His only companions on the flight were several mechanics. Photo by Al Brett. 8-6-47."