Definition
The process of restoring electrical energy to a storage battery by passing direct current through it in the direction opposite to the current flow during discharge. This reverses the chemical reaction that occurred when the battery was supplying power, returning the active materials in the cells to their charged state.
Plain English
Putting electrical energy back into a battery by pushing current through it the opposite way it came out, which resets the chemistry inside so the battery can deliver power again.
Context Anchor
Seen during aircraft maintenance, preflight servicing, and troubleshooting when a battery is weak, removed from the aircraft, or being returned to service.
Derivation
The word 'charge' comes from the Old French 'chargier,' meaning 'to load.' Charging a battery is literally loading it with electrical energy, the same way you might load a cart.
Why Pilots Care
A charged battery provides reliable engine starting power and prevents electrical system failures in flight.
Intuition Check
Do not assume charging a battery means simply connecting any power source to it. It means using the correct charging method, voltage, and rate for that specific aircraft battery.
Example Sentence 1
After the aircraft sat unused for several weeks, the mechanic connected a battery charger and began charging the battery before the next flight.
Example Sentence 2
After charging the battery overnight, the pilot verified the voltage reading on the cockpit gauge.