Panel assemblies and methods to assemble the same

An elongated insert configured to be received in a panel of an aircraft panel assembly, the elongated insert comprising:

• a top side, the top side having a first surface area;
• a bottom side, the bottom side having a second surface area, the second surface area being less than the first surface area;
• a coupling side;
• and
• a web spanning the top side and the bottom side, the web extending to peripheral edges of the top side and the bottom side.

A fastening insert capable of coupling panels of an aircraft panel assembly, the fastening insert comprising

• a cap portion having a lower surface and a fastener aperture;
• a shaft portion having a threaded insert aperture, the fastener aperture and the threaded insert aperture defining a fastener receiving aperture which is sized and shaped to coupleably receive a fastener that is configured to couple the panels together via the fastening insert;
• and
• one or more gussets that extends between an outer surface of the shaft portion and the lower surface of the cap portion.