Definition
To restore the validity of a certificate, rating, inspection, or authorization that has expired or lapsed, by completing the required checks, tests, or procedures so it is once again legally and operationally current.
Plain English
To make something valid again after it has run out. You go through whatever steps are required to bring it back into a usable, legal status.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of certificates, ratings, approvals, inspections, and other items that are only valid for a certain time or under certain conditions.
Derivation
From Latin 're-' meaning 'again,' plus 'validate,' from 'validus' meaning 'strong' or 'effective.' To revalidate is literally to make something effective again.
Why Pilots Care
Failing to revalidate on time grounds the pilot and may require additional retraining or a full practical test.
Intuition Check
Revalidate does not just mean “look at it again.” In aviation, it means completing the required action that makes something officially valid again.
Example Sentence 1
After her flight review expired, she had to revalidate it by flying with an instructor and receiving a new logbook endorsement.
Example Sentence 2
She scheduled an appointment to revalidate her third-class medical certificate before her next flight.