A variable area nozzle system for a gas turbine engine includes a fan duct inner wall, a fan duct outer wall disposed in radially spaced relation to the fan duct inner wall, and a fan nozzle. The fan nozzle defines at least a portion of the fan duct outer wall and includes a nozzle aft edge. The fan duct inner wall and the nozzle aft edge collectively define a fan duct nozzle throat area. The fan nozzle is configured to pivot about a pivot axis that may be oriented transversely relative to a longitudinal axis of the gas turbine engine. The fan nozzle may be pivoted from a stowed position to a deployed position in order to vary the fan duct nozzle throat area.