Decompression panel for use in an aircraft

A method of securing and separating a first decompression panel of an aircraft sidewall assembly and a second decompression panel of the sidewall assembly, said method comprising:

• deforming a flange on the second decompression panel, wherein deforming the flange comprises deforming the flange along a channel formed through the flange, wherein the channel facilitates deformation of the flange;
• inserting a tab of the first decompression panel into a slot of the second decompression panel, wherein the slot is defined by the flange extending along a surface of the second decompression panel;
• and
• releasing the flange to secure the tab within the slot.

An aircraft comprising:

• a side wall;
• a floor panel;
• a decompression panel coupled between said side wall and said floor panel, said decompression panel comprising:
• a body portion comprising a first end and a second end opposing said first end;
• a tab extending along said first end, wherein said tab is arcuate to facilitate installation of said decompression panel;
• and
• a flange extending from said body portion along said second end, at least a portion of said flange extending along a surface of said body portion such that a slot is defined between said portion of said flange and said surface of said body portion at said second end;
• and
• a clamping device coupled to said decompression panel and at least one of said side wall and said floor panel, said clamping device configured to secure said decompression panel.