Airport

Airport (Gottlieb 1969) brings the excitement and bustle of air travel to the pinball world, capturing the glamour of the "Jet Age" era of aviation.

The playfield is designed to resemble an airport tarmac, with runways, taxiways, and terminal buildings. The color scheme is predominantly blue and gray, with splashes of yellow for runway markings. Bumpers are cleverly disguised as radar domes, while targets represent various aircraft and ground vehicles.

A standout feature of Airport is its "Flight Schedule" system. The backbox displays a series of destinations with corresponding lights. Players must hit specific targets to "check in" passengers for each flight, with completed flights awarding bonus points.

The backglass artwork showcases a bustling airport scene, with sleek jet airliners, busy ground crews, and stylishly dressed passengers. The art style captures the optimistic and forward-looking aesthetic of late 60s commercial aviation.

Unique to Airport is the "Takeoff" mechanism. A long, slightly inclined lane on the right side of the playfield represents a runway. Successfully launching the ball up this lane triggers a "takeoff" sequence with lights and sounds, awarding significant points.

Sound-wise, Airport utilizes the standard electromechanical chimes and bells of its era, but arranges them to mimic airport sounds. The ding of a service bell, the rumble of jet engines, and the chatter of an airport PA system are all suggested through clever use of these basic sound elements.

The layout of Airport encourages players to complete various airport-themed tasks. Lower playfield targets represent check-in counters and baggage claim, while upper playfield shots simulate different flight paths.

A notable aspect is the "Air Traffic Control" feature. Periodically, lights on the playfield indicate a specific "flight path" that players must complete within a time limit, simulating the pressure of guiding planes safely to their destinations.

This Gottlieb creation stands out for its detailed theme implementation, capturing the excitement of air travel at a time when it was still considered a luxury. Airport offers players a chance to manage their own bustling terminal, making it a nostalgic favorite among pinball enthusiasts and aviation buffs alike.