Definition
An aircraft tire that has had a new layer of tread rubber bonded onto its existing casing to restore the worn tread surface, allowing the tire to be returned to service. Retreading is a controlled industrial process performed under FAA-approved procedures, and a retreaded tire must meet specified inspection, balance, and condition standards before being installed on an aircraft.
Plain English
A used aircraft tire that has had fresh rubber added to its outside so it has tread again and can be used for more landings.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft tire inspection, replacement, and maintenance records.
Derivation
From 're-' (again) and 'tread' (the part of the tire that contacts the ground). Literally 'tread again' — the worn tread is replaced so the tire can be used again.
Why Pilots Care
Aircraft tires are expensive and take heavy loads on every landing. Retreads are common and accepted on many aircraft, but they have limits on how many times a casing can be retreaded and must be inspected carefully for separation, cracks, or uneven wear.
Analogy
A retread is like a good boot that has been resoled: the main structure is still usable, but the worn outer surface has been renewed.
Intuition Check
Retread does not mean any old tire that was put back on the airplane. In aviation maintenance, it means a tire rebuilt with a new wearing surface after the used tire body was judged suitable.
Example Sentence 1
The mechanic checked the sidewall stamp to see how many times the tire had been retreaded before approving it for installation.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot reviewed the maintenance records and confirmed that both nose-gear tires were approved retreads still within their service limits.