“Do the impossible, because almost everyone has told me my ideas are merely fantasies.” — Howard Hughes, American Businessman, Aviator and Film Director
Flying with a crew of four, eccentric billionaire and aviator Howard Hughes set out on his record-breaking flight around the world 81 years ago today. Hughes completely circumnavigated the Earth in just under four days — clocking in with an official time of 91 hours. Millions of radio listeners tuned in to hear about Hughes’ progress across his 14,000 mile journey, following his stops across three continents before his epic return at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, New York. Upon his arrival, the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale argued that Hughes’ attempt to break the record did not reach the minimum-required distance, and thus no official record was set. While Hughes may have broken the rules, his four-day trip around the globe generated massive publicity and made headlines around the world, inspiring aviation enthusiasts for years to come.