The federal legal system isn't full of love for deliberate offenders. If the feds catch you violating a law just so you can save a few bucks they typically just "go by the book". If the book says $50K fine then that is what you get. Not a lot of mercy for someone at that level in the justice system. I suppose most guys who grab 5 gallons of avgas for their musclecar don't get caught, but pulling up to an airport and filling your tank in plain sight is just asking for a big fine. These days I'd assume there are security cameras in use at most airports and if someone decided to teach you a lesson it probably only takes one phone call and a thumbdrive full of security camera footage to earn you a trip to federal court. Which of course is zero fun............

I know guys that got caught. They owned Shrimp Boats and ran the same fuel as the boats. They would set up stings and check the truck's fuel.

NONE!