Decompression panel assembly and methods of assembling the same

A decompression panel assembly for use in an aircraft includes a frame 208 including a first surface and an opposing second surface, wherein the frame 208 defines a decompression grille opening 214 and at least partially defines a flow path opening 216 that are each defined between the first and second surfaces. A panel 222 at least partially covers the decompression grille opening and is adapted to move from this position to a position where it allows air to flow through the opening when exposed to a predefined pressure differential. A containment member 226 may retain the panel 222 during decompression. In one embodiment (figure 9), the decompression panel assembly also includes a first face panel (422) and a second face panel (424) pivotally coupled together at a central hinge (442). A retention plate (426) is releasably coupled to the first and second face panels (422, 424) and is configured to move between a closed position and an open position. The first and second face panels (422, 424) at least partially cover the grille opening in a planar position when the retention plate is in the closed position, and the first and second face panels move away from the grille opening to a folded position (figure 10) when the retention plate is in the open position.