In 2009 (while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom) Rifle heard of Gene’s passing and that his airplane would be available for purchase. As an A-10 pilot, the idea of owning/flying an airplane that was built by someone who flew as part of the original A-10 test team was very appealing. The fact that N76540 was built straight, light, and flies like a dream made it an easy choice.
Gene’s F-100 was brought out of the Pima Air and Space Museum and put on static display during the 2010 Davis Monthan Air Force Base Open House. Rifle got permission to land N76540 during the show and capture some very special pictures.