Description printed on photograph's accompanying sheet of paper: "Howard Hughes is appointed Aeronautic Adviser to the New York Worlds Fair 1939 by Grover Whalen, its president."
Howard Hughes taking off in the Lockheed 14 aircraft. Typed on a piece of paper attached to the image: "Howard Hughes' plane taking off from Union Air Terminal July 3, 1938, on first left of round-the-world flight. Released for personal use only. Not to be reprinted or employed commercially without the permission of the undersigned. L. A. Times New Bureau."
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.