Isaac Plath’s airplane, a 1978 Piper Cherokee Warrior II, was registered by Ken Palmer in February 2022. Although the exact cost of the plane purchased by Ken, Kim, and Isaac is unknown, there are current listings for similar airplanes ranging from approximately $60,000 to $134,000. Considering Isaac’s preferences for a simpler aircraft, it can be estimated that his airplane was around $70,000.
The price of $70,000 is quite significant for a 16-year-old. Ken acknowledges concerns about Isaac’s age but believes in his son’s maturity and judgment, trusting that he will take care of the airplane.
While the cost may be substantial, Isaac sees it as an attractive feature that could impress girls. He remains grateful and humble, expressing his surprise at owning such an asset at the age of 17.
DOES ISAAC PLATH HAVE HIS PILOT’S LICENSE?
Isaac Plath currently holds a student certificate, issued in April 2021. This means that he is not allowed to carry passengers. It is unclear whether Isaac and Kim Plath went on the romantic double date to the Florida Keys together, unless Ken was the one flying.
Furthermore, according to flightaware.com, Isaac’s plane has not had any flights in the past 14 days.
MAINTENANCE COSTS AND FLIGHT HOURS
The cost of maintaining a plane like Isaac’s includes parking fees and maintenance expenses. Based on the information provided by a former Piper aircraft owner in Georgia, parking fees at a small airport can range from minimal if the plane is stored outside to approximately $125 to $600 per month if stored in a hangar.
Maintenance costs are another significant aspect of airplane ownership. The individual I spoke with mentioned that their annual inspection expenses varied, with the most expensive reaching $8,000 and the least expensive being $1,200. These figures were reported before recent inflation increases.
It is unclear how many flight hours Isaac’s plane engine has accumulated. However, Lycoming engines, like the one in Isaac’s plane, typically require an overhaul after 2,000 hours of operation. Depending on the extent of the overhaul, the cost can range between $20,000 and $30,000.