Howard Hughes speaks into two microphones as he gives a news conference beside the Douglas DC-3, after landing in New York. This was his first flight after the nearly fatal crash of the first XF-11. A number of officials and onlookers stand nearby.

Howard Hughes beside his Douglas DC-3 in New York in 1947.

Howard Hughes at a press conference, standing in front of what is thought to be a DC-3.

Typed onto a piece of paper attached to the image: "Scene at Floyd Bennett Field as Howard Hughes and his crew landed after completing a round the world hop. 7-14-38. (Press Association)."

The black and white view of men assembling a truck loaded with old telephone booths for Howard Hughes arrival in New York. Typed onto a piece of paper attached to the image: "Telephone company "goes to town" for Hughes' arrival, New York City -- Something had to be done to take care of the thousands of potential telephone users who crowded Floyd Bennett Field, July 14th, for the arrival of Howard Hughes and his daring crew on their dash Around the World, so the New York Telephone Company, well aware of the fact that the few phones at the field couldn't possibly accommodate, the officials, police, and spectators, "went to town" with a truck loaded with old telephone booths. A line was quickly strung and the phones in the booths on the truck were plugged in. The business was rushing and the phone company was well rewarded for its enterprise. Credit Line (ACME) 7/14/38."

The black and white view of Howard Hughes, surrounded by crowds, after arriving completing his Around the World tour at Floyd Bennett Airfield in New York.

The black and white view of Howard Hughes, surrounded by crowds, after arriving completing his Around the World tour at Floyd Bennett Airfield in New York.