Dallas businessman Bill (William Earl) Signs is founder of Swedish Auto, Inc. Bonn Motor Works and Honda House in Farmers Branch, Texas. Signs opened his first auto shop in 1969, and incorporated the business in 1986.

Signs, 44 years old, tallies 28 years, close to 3,000,000 air miles, and over 10,750 hours of flight experience. He began flying at the age of 16 in Orlando, Florida, and received his private pilot's license at 17 and his commercial license at 18. He has served as a crew member on aircraft ranging from single seat crop dusters and turbine powered corporate airplanes to large four-engine heavy transport aircraft. Additionally, Signs is an FAA, A&P (airframe and powerplant) licensed aircraft mechanic and flight instructor. since 1987, Signs has flown to over 64 countries in various single engine airplanes.

Since 1990, Signs has undertaken numerous "Friendship Flights," designed to promote goodwill and commerce. These Friendship Flights include:

• Friendship Flight '97 - a commemoration of Charles Lindbergh's historic flight, 70 years to the minute. Signs will retrace Lindbergh's route, departing San Diego, St. Louis, and New York, arriving in Paris, France, on May 21st at 11 a.m. Ten thousand children are expected to participate at the airports, where Signs will share Lindbergh's accomplishments and the excitement of world-wide aviation.

• Friendship Flight '96 - a world record setting expedition, where Signs, accompanied by pilot Ruth Jacobs of Fairhope, Alabama, became the first to land a single aircraft on all seven continents during the 50 day around-the-world trip. * Friendship Flight '95 - South America and Antarctica - Signs was the first to fly a single engine aircraft from South America to Antarctica and back without refueling.

• Friendship Flight '93 - A three single-engine aircraft expedition to Russia and Mongolia. Signs flew his Cessna 210L. *Friendship Flight '92 - Around the World in 30 Days. This joint Russian-American flight commemorated the 50th anniversary of the WWII Lend-Lease Program. Signs and Russian Yuri Kharitonov landed at many WWII Russian military bases. Signs' airplane was the first American aircraft to cross Russia after the 1991 revolution.

• Friendship Flight '91 - Signs acted as flight leader for a fleet of 35 general aviation aircraft from the United States and Canada. The group traveled from Alaska to the Soviet Union and received extensive news coverage in all countries. Friendship Flight '90 - Signs outfitted a Mooney for extended over-water capability and crossed the North Atlantic twice. He visited 13 countries, including Russia.