Crowd of people watching Howard Hughes board an airliner that was heading for Washington.

Howard Hughes shaking the hand of what is presumed to be the pilot of the airliner he was boarding that was heading to Washington.

Typed onto a piece of paper attached to the image: "As Hughes Visited Washington To Thank Cordell Hull, Washing, D. C. -- Police escorting Howard Hughes holding hat, through the admiring throungs at the Washington Airport as the intrepid flyer and his four companions on his Round-The-World flight came to the Capital, July 21st, to personally thank Secretary of State Cordell Hull for his cooperation in clearing their take-offs on their flight. Credit Line (ACME) 7/21/38."

Typed onto a piece of paper attached to the image: "Faved Flyer Visits Washington - Wash, D.C. - Photo shows the crowd pressing forward for a glimpse of Howard Hughes, well known sportsman flyer, as he arrived at Washington Airport in an American Airliner. Photo Credit ACME. 7-21-38. New York Bureau."

A front view of the Air Force test plane.

A front view of the Air Force test plane.

A view of Howard Hughes preparing to fly the Air Force test plane.