in fig4 and 6 the passageway 200 is defined by spaced apart 2 inch u00d7 6 inch lumber segments 202 which could be lower members of a roof truss or other similar structural assembly interstitial 2 inch u00d7 6 inch lumber segments 204 extend between lumber segments 202 to fully define a rectilinear periphery of the attic passageway 200 panels 208 such as gypsum panel are typically affixed to the lumber segments 202 204 to form the ceiling of a room below the structure 202 204 defining the passageway 200 typically the attic passageway 200 will be further defined by trim segments 210 affixed to the bottom surface of panels 208 and arranged in a manner such that an inner edge of the trim segments 210 extends into the attic passageway 200 forming a lip 212 the rigid panel 110 of the attic access drop panel 100 is formed to have an outer periphery smaller than the portion of the attic passageway 200 defined by the lumber segments 202 204 and larger than the inner periphery of the attic passageway 200 defined by the lip 212 in this manner the attic access drop panel 100 when placed in the attic passageway 200 will rest upon the lip 212 further the retainers 120 by reason of the obtuse included angle 128 extend outwardly beyond the periphery of the rigid panel 110 in a manner such that the upper portion thereof contacts.