Definition
A piece of ground support equipment that restores electrical energy to an aircraft battery by passing a controlled direct current through it in the reverse direction of normal discharge. Aircraft battery chargers are designed for the specific battery chemistry in use (lead-acid or nickel-cadmium) and typically operate in either the constant-voltage or constant-current mode.
Plain English
A device that puts electrical energy back into a battery after it has been used, so the battery is ready to power the aircraft again.
Context Anchor
Seen during aircraft maintenance, battery servicing, and troubleshooting when an aircraft battery is weak or discharged.
Why Pilots Care
A properly charged battery is required for reliable engine starting and operation of electrical systems.
Intuition Check
Do not assume any charger that fits the battery is acceptable. An aircraft battery charger must match the battery and be used the way the maintenance instructions specify.
Example Sentence 1
After the aircraft sat unused for three weeks, the mechanic connected the battery charger overnight before the next flight.
Example Sentence 2
After several short flights the pilot placed the battery on a charger to restore its charge.