Howard Hughes in the Lockheed 14 in Los Angeles, California. Typed on a piece of paper attached to the image: "Howard Hughes off on first leaf of flight to Paris. Los Angeles, Cal. -- Howard Hughes, Millionaire oil man and speed flyer, at the controls of his huge Lockheed "Flying Laboratory" as it took off from here for its leisurely flight to New York, from where Hughes and his crew will fly to Paris and perhaps around the world. 7/4/1938 Credit line (ACME)."

Description printed on photograph's accompanying sheet of paper: "Howard Hughes' wide grin diffuses the lanky Texan's features during a lighter phase of the day's ceremonies. Credit Line (ACME) 7/15/38."

Typed onto a piece of paper attached to the image: "New York hails heroes of World Flight, New York City --- In the greatest reception since Lindbergh's, Howard Hughes and his gallant companions paraded up Broadway today, almost smothered beneath New York's ticker-tape accolade recognizing their record-smashing world dash. Here's Hughes, (center back, seat), gazing up the tons of torn paper fluttering down on him and his comrades, following in the car behind. Beside Hughes on the left is Grover Whalen, head of the New York World's Fair, 1939. Credit Line (ACME) 7/15/38."

A view of Howard Hughes installing a radar safety system for passenger planes in Culver City, California.

A view of Howard Hughes' Hercules in Culver City, California.

A view of Howard Hughes' Hercules in Culver City, California.

A view of Howard Hughes installing a radar safety system for passenger planes in Culver City, California.