Aircraft valve cores are identified by?

• A. A colored band on the stem
• B. The serial number etched on the body
• C. A slot in the head of the pin
• D. The head shape of the pin

Answer: (C)

Valve cores are identified by a slot in the head of the pin. That slot is what the removal/installation tool engages, so it directly signals the specific core type and how to service it. The slot design tells you which tool to use and ensures you’re handling the correct core for the valve stem. Other indicators like color bands, serial numbers, or simply the head shape don’t reliably identify the core type in aviation practice, so they’re not used for the identification you need to service the tire system correctly.