Method and apparatus for actuating an aircraft nose portion

A method and apparatus for actuating an aircraft nose portion. The aircraft can have a longitudinal axis and a pitch axis generally transverse to the longitudinal axis. The fuselage can include a pressure bulkhead and a pressurized payload portion aft of the pressure bulkhead. The nose portion can be positioned forward of the pressure bulkhead and can be changeable from a first configuration to a second configuration while the pressurized payload portion is capable of being pressurized relative to a region external to the aircraft. For example, the nose portion can be inclined upwardly relative to the longitudinal axis when pivoted from a first position to a second position. Accordingly, the length of the aircraft can be reduced, for example, to accommodate the aircraft at a loading gate or other ground support area.