Friendship Flight Pilot Bill Signs

William (Bill) Earl Signs

Founder

Dallas businessman Bill (William Earl) Signs is founder of Tokyo Town - Swedish Auto in Farmers Branch, Texas. Signs opened his first auto shop in 1969, and incorporated the business in 1986.

Signs, (in 1997) 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.

Additionally, Signs is a member of Cessna Owners, the Aircraft Owner's and Pilot Association, and the Businessmen's Flying Association. He works with the non-profit Dallas Trinity Foundation. He is also a frequent participant in various airshows, including those at Dallas' Love Field, the Addison Texas Airport, Sun-n-Fun in Lakeland Florida, and the EAA Oshkosh Airshow in Oshkosh Wisconsin.

Since 1990, Signs has undertaken numerous "Friendship Flights," designed to promote goodwill, understanding, and commerce around the world.

These Friendship Flights include:

Photo Album: Pilot Bill Signs

Photo Album on Facebook.

Bill S Photos

Friendship Flight 1998 Eielson

Eielson trans polar commeemorative flight Barrow, Alaska, USA to Spitsbergen, Norway.

Pilot: Bill Signs
Aircraft: Cessna 210L N90MB

1998

Friendship Flight 1997 Lindbergh

A commemoration of Charles Lindbergh's historic flight, 70 years to the minute. Signs retraced Lindbergh's route, departing San Diego, St. Louis, and New York, arriving in Paris, France, on May 21st, 1997 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.

Pilot: Bill Signs
Aircraft: Cessna 210L N90MB

1997

Friendship Flight 1996 World Record

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.

Pilots: Bill Signs. Ruth Jacobs
Aircraft: Cessna 210L N90MB

1996

Friendship Flight 1995 Antarctica

South America and Antarctica - Signs was the first to fly a single engine aircraft from South America to Antarctica and back without refueling

Pilot: Bill Signs
Aircraft: Cessna 210L N90MB

1995

Friendship Flight 1993 Russia Mongolia

A three single-engine aircraft expedition to Russia and Mongolia. Signs flew his Cessna 210L

Pilots: Bill Signs. Yuri Khartinov.
Aircraft: Cessna 210L N90MB

1993

Friendship Flight 1992 30 Days World

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.

Pilots: Bill Signs. Yuri Khartinov.
Aircraft: Cessna 210L N90MB

1992

Friendship Flight 1991 Soviet Union

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.

Pilots: Bill Signs. Yuri Khartinov.
Aircraft: 35 Aircraft Fleet

1991