A few times in my aviation career, I was told that if I brought one of our planes in for MX, they'd pay me personally. Banyan repeatedly offered me 10%, nearly begging me to use their shop. Pentastar offered $30K to bring our G550 to their shop. Of course I said no, and immediately explained that I never, ever play that game. I refused to use either facility after that nonsense. What's more interesting is how they worded it. Pentastar offered a $30K credit that could be used towards lowering the MX invoice or paid to me, and Banyan simply offered 10% of the total invoice.
Unsurprisingly, the Banyan offer did get back to our chief pilot. Probably because his friend managed the FBO there and was aware of the MX shop's tactics.
I am sure this bribe nonsense goes on all the time. I am now retired from a drama-free career, no violations, no bribes, no underhanded tactics, just business on the level, by the book. Looking back, those 'offers' were not just incredibly risky, but utterly worthless in every way possible.
Unsurprisingly, the Banyan offer did get back to our chief pilot. Probably because his friend managed the FBO there and was aware of the MX shop's tactics.
I am sure this bribe nonsense goes on all the time. I am now retired from a drama-free career, no violations, no bribes, no underhanded tactics, just business on the level, by the book. Looking back, those 'offers' were not just incredibly risky, but utterly worthless in every way possible.