Ye Olde Rocket Forum - View Single Post - Earliest Akela-1 reference

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackshire

Hello All,

Awhile back there was a discussion about the Centuri Akela-1 Cub Scout rocket (see: http://www.oldrocketplans.com/centu...654/cen1654.htm ).

I just found what is apparently the earliest reference to the Akela-1, in the September 1973 issue of "Boy's Life" magazine (the article link is below). The article also mentions Ricky Piester, who launched the first Akela-1 flown by a Cub Scout pack; I presume he is a son of Centuri founder Lee Piester (see: http://books.google.com/books?id=SR...0rocket&f=false ).

I hope this information will be helpful.

Rick Piester is indeed Lee Piesters son. Although I haven't seen him in a few years, Rick occasionally attends a club event here in Champaign, IL. Interestingly enough, He works for Hobbico, or at least did when I last saw him.
Luckily, his dad was in town visiting, and they took the time to come to one of our club meetings and visit. It was great to have a chance to talk to Lee, he's a great guy. In fact, they both are!