The black and white view of the Lockheed 14 aircraft in New York, New York. Typed on a piece of paper attached to the image: "Readying Hughes' plane for Paris flight. Hughes's Lockheed 14 monoplane in shape for a flight from Floyd Bennett Airport here, to Paris. Motor trouble forced postponement and helpers were working under injunction to have the ship ready for a takeoff July 9 "at the earliest possible moment." Photo shows: General view of crowd watching plane being serviced outside hangar. Credit Line (ACME) 7/9/1938."
Description printed on back of photograph: "Howard Hughes shaking hands with Major General Oscar Westover, Head of the US Air Corps, at a luncheon at the National Press Club. Jesse Jones stands at extreme right with other notables in the center. July 1938."
Description printed on back of photograph: "A group at the State Department. Left to Right: Edward Lund, Harry MC. Connor, Howard Hughes, Secretary of State Cordell Hull, Lt. Thomas Thurlow and Richard Stoddart. July 1938."
Howard Hughes leaving his private hangar as he is wished "happy landings" and well wishes by friends before he boards his speedy Lockheed plane at Union Air Terminal in Burbank, California.