A system and method is provided for coupling a nacelle inlet assembly to an engine fan housing structure that provides adequate clearance and access for removing a blisk fan from a turbofan engine. This is accomplished by utilizing a nacelle inlet forward compartment, referred to herein as the “D-lip”and an acoustic liner that are inseparable and removable as an integral unit, providing sufficient clearance for removable of the blisk fan. The nacelle inlet assembly may be slidably coupled to the engine fan housing structure, minimizing assembly interfaces and therefore overall aircraft engine weight.