Abstract: A support assembly is provided for selectively supporting an aircraft engine cowling on an aircraft, the latch assembly including a cowling support mounted to the cowling, an aircraft support mounted to the aircraft frame; and a latching member. The latching member is moveable between a first position, in which it substantially fixes the cowling support to the aircraft support, and a second position, in which it permits the cowling support to move relative to the aircraft support. The support assembly also variably mounts the engine cowling to the aircraft mount such the support assembly substantially isolates the first support mount from a transfer of cowling weight from the second support mount in an ‘open’ condition, and permits a transfer of cowling weight from the second support mount to the first support mount in a ‘closed’ condition.