PC-24
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 49; Flight Crew Total 7534; Flight Crew Type 49
Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Climbing through 19;000 feet; crew heard a loud pop. After initial assessment of instruments with no obvious failures; we discovered the LH side cockpit window was cracked. Crew was familiar with this failure; as it has happened to multiple PC24 operators. I verified it was the outer (non-structural) ply of the windshield that was damaged. I took over radio duties while the FO (First Officer) consulted the QRH. There is no procedure for outer ply damage; only inner ply. The decision was made to return to ZZZ where we knew we had a spare aircraft available. After telling company what our plan was; we told ATC we would like to change destination to ZZZ. We made a normal approach and landing. ATC must have declared [priority handling] on our behalf. Trucks were standing by on arrival. Debriefed with FO; discussed division of duties; handling of checklists; and CRM decision to return to ZZZ.
Captain reported a cockpit side window shattered; resulting in an air turn back and precautionary landing.