First test flight of the XF-11 at the Hughes Airport in Culver City, California in 1946.

The black and white view of Howard Hughes and his crew before leaving for Paris.

The black and white view of Howard Hughes and his crew before leaving for Paris.

Howard Hughes (center) in a New York City crowd of people after his around the world flight.

The view of Howard Hughes being escorted through a crowd of attendees at the World's Fair in New York. Description printed on photograph's accompanying sheet of paper: "Press Headquarters at field where Hughes ended flight. New York City-- The Press Headquarters set up under a huge tent at Floyd Bennett Field by the New York World's Fair for the use of newspapermen "covering" the landing of Howard Hughes and his crew after their record-smashing flight around the world. Part of the great throng that welcomed the gallant fliers mills around in front of the tent. Credit Line (ACME) 7/14/38 (SS)"

The black and white view of Howard Hughes and his crew being surrounded by crowds as they exit the Lockheed 14 aircraft after finishing the Around the World flight at Floyd Bennett Airfield in New York. "Description printed on photograph's accompanying sheet of paper: A scene at Floyd Bennett Field as Howard Hughes and his crew landed after completing a round the world flight. 7-14-38 (Press Association)."

Description printed on photograph's accompanying strip of paper: "Checking damages of plane on arrival at Le Bourget. Le Bourget-- The thoroughness with which he planned the flight and carried it through was still with Howard Hughes when the millionaire flyer and his four companions arrived at Le Bourget, after a record smashing flight across the Atlantic. Hughes is shown here, examining the tail of his plane, just after landing, The tail was damaged slightly. After repairs were made, the fliers took off for Moscow."