It's not a bribe. Think of it as sponsorship.
I'm guessing $3k + materials (Cockpit photos, pain job) will probably get you the plane you want.
If you wanna economize, there are probly ways you can get that number down.
Corporate types may consider putting those luxury boxes to good use. Or, did you ever consider the team-building potential of having your group pass a weekend in a pleasant resort location, with lectures by HTC-provided experts on squad tactics, followed by extensive hands-on training, and liberal doses of alcohol?
Those of you in the media might see if a few "fluff pieces" gets you their ear.
Those of us with links to organized crime... well, you get the picture.
Dinger