Abstract: A movable cowling for an aircraft is disclosed having a stationary fairing portion attached to an engine support pylon and a movable cowling portion. The movable cowling portion defines a generally longitudinally extending slot to accommodate the stationary fairing portion when the movable cowling portion is in its closed position to enclose the aircraft engine. The movable cowling portion, which may be generally annular in shape and have a generally "C"-shaped cross sectional shape, is attached to the engine by way of a telescoping beam. A portion of the beam is attached to the movable cowling and a second portion of the beam is attached to the engine. The movable cowling moves in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the engine such that it has no portions requiring lifting about a hinge axis. A locking mechanism is provided between the movable cowling portion and the stationary fairing to lock the movable cowling portion in its closed position.