Magnetic latching system with inflatable seal

A magnetic latching system for removably latching a panel to an aircraft surface portion, the system comprising:

• a removable access panel defining an upper surface, side surfaces, and a panel lower peripheral surface;
• a plurality of magnetically attractive panel surface portions disposed proximate at least a portion of the panel lower peripheral surface;
• a latching land connectable to the aircraft surface portion, the land defining an upper surface having an outer peripheral portion that is substantially coplanar with the aircraft surface portion, a seating surface for receiving and supporting the panel lower peripheral surface, and land side surfaces;
• the land seating surface defining a plurality of magnetically attractive land surface portions disposed along at least a portion of the land panel seating surface;
• a body of magnetic material disposed intermediate the magnetically attractive panel surface portions and the magnetically attractive land surface portions, the body of magnetic material being operative to form a magnetic bond between the panel and land to urge the panel into a magnetic engagement with the land seating surface, such that the panel upper surface is substantially coplanar with the aircraft surface portion;
• and
• an inflatable seal disposed intermediate the panel and the land, adjacent the magnetic material, upon inflation the inflatable seal being operative to urge the panel away from the land far enough to weaken magnetic engagement between the panel and the land sufficient to permit disengagement of the panel from the land.