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Flight 2000

gameactive49 mentionsFirst seen Apr 18, 2011Last seen Mar 21, 2026

Profile

Flight 2000 is a classic 1980 Stern widebody pinball game designed by Harry Williams. The game is notable for its innovative subway ball lock feature and speech board capabilities, which have made it influential in pinball design history. It has served as the basis for the Gamatron conversion kit and remains a beloved title among players and designers, inspiring careers and remaining a touchstone for vintage pinball appreciation.

Aliases

No aliases

Relationships

  • designedHarry WilliamsHarry Williams designed Flight 2000medium
  • affiliated_withSteve RitchieSteve Ritchie stated Flight 2000 as his favorite Stern game from the past 25 yearsmedium
  • affiliated_withGary SternGary Stern cited Flight 2000 as his favorite game and discussed its design featuresmedium
  • affiliated_withGamatronFlight 2000 served as the base game design for the Gamatron conversion kitmedium
  • affiliated_withJohn BorgFlight 2000 inspired young John Borg to pursue a pinball careermedium

Facts

  • achievementSteve Ritchie's stated favorite Stern game from past 25 yearshighfrom 2011-04-18
  • achievementGary Stern's favorite classic gamehighfrom 2021-06-04
  • achievementInspired John Borg to pursue pinball career as young playerhighfrom 2008-04-16
  • attributeFeatures speech board capabilityhighfrom 1980
  • attributeClassic pinball machine discovered by Jeff Teolis via Pinball Arcade before purchasing physical machinemediumfrom 2020-11-26
  • attributeFeatures ball walker mechanichigh

Claims (8)

  • factualhigh

    Flight 2000 had a production run of approximately 6,000 units

    Source: Dr. Dave#91 Stern Flight 2000 - The Classic Pinball Podcast
  • factualhigh

    Flight 2000 was the first Stern pinball game to include voice/speech capability

    Source: Dr. Dave#91 Stern Flight 2000 - The Classic Pinball Podcast
  • factualhigh

    Right spinner value can be increased to 5,000 points per spin through approximately 7-8 completions of the right drop target bank

    Source: Greg BoneFlight 2000 tutorial and gameplay
  • factualhigh

    Sweeping all three right drop targets in one shot with the purple insert lit awards 50,000 bonus points

Recent Mentions (49)

  • Classic Stern Electronics pinball machine being demonstrated on a Pocket Rig setup at Raccoon City Pinball

    Flight 2000 by Stern Electronics: Pocket Rig test flight. Streamed from Raccoon City Pinball.Mar 21, 2026
  • Classic Stern/Williams pinball machine; available at Stern facility for potential streaming

    0.90 THE WALKING DEAD CODE!Mar 18, 2026
  • Pinball machine owned by Ryan; acquired ~2014 from Keith Elwyn; stored at Ryan's parents' house

    #10: Time to SummerJun 10, 2024
  • EM/solid-state pinball game, Scott undertaking major code modification project with Zach's input

    Episode 145 – Sling PowerMay 13, 2020
  • Pinball game featured in both Pin Skins finals and Open tournament finals; spinner-focused strategy

    Episode 18 - Great Lakes Pinball Open and ClassicsApr 29, 2021
  • Classic Stern pinball game, ranked by George as second-best Stern game after Stargazer

    #90.6 STARGAZER revisited - The Classic Pinball PodcastAug 30, 2022

Contradictions

  • Existing: Flight 2000 is a Stern game designed by Harry Williams (from mentions 1, 2, 4)vsConflicting: Mention 10 describes it as a 'Bally game whose schematics are used for reference'
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: Flight 2000 is a Stern game (from mentions 1, 2, 4, 9)vsConflicting: Mention 20 describes it as a 'Classic Bally pinball machine'
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: Flight 2000 is a Stern game designed by Harry Williams (established in mentions 1, 4)vsConflicting: Mention 10 identifies Flight 2000 as a Bally game
    Resolved
    accepted_new · Mar 3, 2026
  • Existing: Flight 2000 is a Stern game from 1980 (established in mentions 1, 4)

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

affiliated_with
Jeff Teolis
Jeff Teolis discovered Flight 2000 via Pinball Arcade and subsequently located and purchased a physical machine
medium
  • based_inGamatronGamatron was based on the Flight 2000 platform, using its ROM and playfield designmedium
  • designedHarry WilliamsDesigned the pinball game Flight 2000medium
  • from 1980
  • attributeFeatures subway ball lock mechanismhighfrom 1980
  • attribute1980 Stern widebody pinball gamehighfrom 1980
  • attributeServed as basis for Gamatron conversion kit playfield and softwarehighfrom 2025-08-22
  • roleDesigned by Harry Williamshighfrom 1980
  • Source: Greg Bone
    Flight 2000 tutorial and gameplay
  • factualmedium

    Flight 2000 has unusual multiball lock behavior where incoming balls can be pushed out of the lock

    Source: Greg BoneFlight 2000 tutorial and gameplay
  • factualhigh

    Drop targets on this Flight 2000 machine have chronic mechanical issues requiring extensive tweaking

    Source: Greg BoneFlight 2000 tutorial and gameplay
  • factualhigh

    Flight 2000's maximum bonus with 15X multiplier is 150,000 points

    Source: Greg BoneFlight 2000 tutorial and gameplay
  • factualhigh

    Flight 2000 was a commercial hit

    Source: Steve Ritchiesteve ritchie fav game
  • Stern pinball machine owned by both Scott and Dr. Dave; features clear posts and lighted post mods

    #46 Space Riders (Atari) - The Classic Pinball PodcastFeb 8, 2021
  • Stern pinball machine in Dave's basement; modified with three Powerballs for increased speed; played in tournament

    #28 You’re Out! - The Classic Pinball PodcastMar 10, 2020
  • EM-era game Dave prefers over Sea Witch, recently listed at $7,000 in New Jersey secondary market, subject of Dave Brennan's clear coat video

    #79 RUSH to judgement - The Classic Pinball PodcastMar 15, 2022
  • 1980 Williams Electronics pinball machine; space/flight theme; features spinners, drop targets, memory targets, voice capability; production ~6,000 units

    #91 Stern Flight 2000 - The Classic Pinball PodcastSep 13, 2022
  • Early Stern game with artwork by Jerry Stellenberg and Doug Watson; Dave owns this machine

    Episode 6: The Classic Pinball Podcast - Star GazerAug 5, 2019
  • 1980 Stern pinball machine being demonstrated; subject of tutorial and gameplay analysis

    Flight 2000 tutorial and gameplayApr 21, 2018
  • Pinball machine referenced as source of spare parts used in Steamboat Willie construction; represents the 'bin full of every part' that collectors accumulate

    Box-in: Homebrew on a Budget - Pinball Expo 2025 - Pinball NewsOct 17, 2025
  • Pinball machine used as final 'hole' in Fox Cities invitational event; highest spinner scoring focus

    Upcoming Events Discussion and League Game Review (Ep. 49)Apr 7, 2021
  • Classic pinball machine originally purchased by Kyle's brother as parts machine for $250; Kyle now owns it; plans next restoration project

    Off The Record Pinball Podcast Ep 19: Pinball Innovators & Makers Podcast Ep 2: The Wondering WorldFeb 20, 2023
  • Classic Stern title; recreated in The Pinball Arcade

    Stern & Farsight in Partnership DealSep 26, 2015
  • Classic Stern machine designed by Harry Williams; features distinctive maze mechanism

    Pinball Cribs: Episode 2Oct 11, 2019
  • Rare pinball machine available at All Pinball Brisbane warehouse; Jared Morgan notes never seeing it previously in Australia; mentioned as 'table of the week'

    Facts Are HardFeb 13, 2015
  • Classic pinball table; referenced for ball juggler mechanism inspiration used in Transporter

    Touch My Glow BallsJun 25, 2017
  • Base platform that Pinstar Gamatron conversion kit was built upon

    Part 18: 1985 Pinstar Gamatron Project. Speech successfully installed!Dec 8, 2025
  • Original pinball platform that Gamatron was a conversion kit based on.

    Part 4: 1985 Pinstar Gamatron Project! Drilling gone wrong!Aug 28, 2025
  • Machine Ryan purchased for $450 pre-'pinflation'; also owned by Jeff previously

    Dirty Pool Podcast - Ep22 - Mapping It Out - Pinball Map with RyanDec 12, 2025
  • Classic pinball machine visible in Deadpool's Hell House scene; embedded as Easter egg/community reference

    Deadpool Pinball RetrospectiveSep 21, 2025
  • Williams pinball; Borg's favorite arcade game during teenage years at Galaxy World; inspired competitive play style and rules interest

    Fireside Chat with John BorgFeb 12, 2025
  • Classic Stern game; one of the most common; affected by trough drain issue; has speech variant; priced at $12,000

    Episode 253 – OverratedJul 20, 2025
  • Stern Electronics wide-body game whose software and narrow-body playfield layout were directly reused for Gamitron conversion kit

    Data East – Fake It Til Ya Make ItJun 19, 2022
  • Classic pinball referenced in host's personal story about addictive difficulty and memorable play experience

    Episode 87 - Pinball is Supposed to be HARD!Jun 16, 2025
  • Classic pinball machine that Jeff Teal discovered virtually before purchasing physical copy after virtual gameplay exposure.

    Episode 365: Australia’s Jason Lambert and Simon PeelJun 20, 2023
  • Classic Bally pinball machine owned by Jeff Teolis; repaired by David Peck years before this interview, showcasing community helpfulness.

    Episode 310: Danielle & David PeckJul 12, 2021
  • Vintage title; Jeff Teolis discovered via Pinball Arcade, drove desire to locate and play physical machine

    Episode 288: TWIP Pinball UniversityNov 26, 2020
  • Stern game from ~1980 that inspired young John Borg to pursue pinball career; one of his early arcade favorites

    TOPCast 57: John BorgApr 16, 2008
  • Second game retained from Mike's childhood collection; purchased at auction with his father

    What it's like running Sparks Pinball Museum with the owner Mike Bradley | Ep 180Dec 22, 2025
  • Vintage pinball game; parts salvaged for use in Steamboat Willie 2.0

    Homebrew Showcase: Steamboat Willie 2.0 Pinball by Craig MonyhanNov 7, 2025
  • Pinball machine with code identical to Gameatron; referenced for rules and gameplay comparison

    Part 15: 1985 Pinstar Gamatron Project! Cabinet & Body Unite! First Game!Oct 2, 2025
  • Referenced for schematic comparison when troubleshooting Gamatron lamp circuits

    Part 14: 1985 Pinstar Gamatron Project! Sockets, SCR's and Lamps Oh My!Sep 26, 2025
  • Vintage pinball machine from which Mike sourced soundboard brackets for the Gammatron restoration

    Part 13: 1985 Pinstar Gamatron Project! Let there be sound!Sep 24, 2025
  • Referenced as comparative model for Gammatron; has speech functionality and different audio component configuration

    Part 12: 1985 Pinstar Gamatron Project! Installing 7 digit LED displays & more!Sep 23, 2025
  • Game selected for Weebly MPU DIP switch configuration

    Part 11: 1985 Pinstar Gamatron Project! I get the playfield connected! Signs of life!Sep 19, 2025
  • Bally game whose schematics are used for reference in Gamatron restoration

    Part 9: 1985 Pinstar Gamatron Project! The unhacking begins!Sep 10, 2025
  • Stern pinball game with identical ROM to Garbatron conversion kit

    Part 7: 1985 Pinstar Gamatron Project! Garbatron cabinet is finished!Sep 9, 2025
  • Referenced for comparison of ball walker mechanism design; similar vintage era to Gamatron

    Part 5: 1985 Pinstar Gamatron Project! Working on the mechs!Aug 29, 2025
  • 1980 pinball game whose playfield and software were used as basis for Gammatron conversion kit

    Part 2: 1985 Pinstar Gamatron Project! WTF is Gamatron anyways?Aug 22, 2025
  • Original game that Gamatron's code is based on; referenced for comparing hardware differences (memory drop targets)

    Part 16: 1985 Pinstar Gamatron Project is Finished!Nov 4, 2025
  • Base game that Gamatron conversion kit is derived from; same mechanical layout

    1985 Pinstar Gamatron Gameplay / Tutorial * Under 50 in existence?Nov 6, 2025
  • 1980 Stern widebody pinball game designed by Harry Williams; Gamatron playfield based on this design in narrowbody format

    Ultra Rare Gamatron Pinball Conversion Kit for sale! Under 50 made?Nov 7, 2025
  • Stern game featuring speech board; donor of VSU-100 speech board and reference for desired audio sequences

    Part 17: 1985 Pinstar Gamatron Project. Can I get the Robot to Speak?Nov 15, 2025
  • Steve Ritchie's stated favorite Stern game from the past 25 years; designed by Harry Williams

    steve ritchie fav gameApr 18, 2011
  • Classic 1980 Stern game referenced as inspiration for subway ball lock feature; Gary Stern's favorite

    The Making of Stern's Avengers: Infinity Quest Pinball!Jun 4, 2021
  • Classic pinball game referenced for ball walker mechanic; Gary discusses its design and conversion concept

    Drinks with Jack - Gary & Seth EP6Mar 4, 2022
  • vs
    Conflicting: Mention 20 identifies Flight 2000 as a classic Bally pinball machine
    Resolved
    accepted_new · Mar 3, 2026