What is the location ID on an aircraft typically known as?

The term "datum" refers to a reference point or surface used in aircraft design and measurement. In aviation, the datum serves as a baseline for defining location IDs on the aircraft, which help in determining the position of various components. It is a critical component in calculations related to balance, weight distribution, and stability of the aircraft.

When engineers and technicians discuss the location of components, such as the center of gravity or equipment locations, they often refer to distances measured from the datum. This allows for standardized communication and ensures accuracy in the performance and safety assessments of the aircraft.

In contrast, other terms like center of gravity, aerodynamic center, and wing station are related to specific aspects of the aircraft but do not serve as the primary reference point for measuring the location ID. The center of gravity addresses the balance of the aircraft, the aerodynamic center concerns the point where aerodynamic forces are balanced, and wing station specifies a location along the wingspan but does not represent a universal measurement baseline like the datum does.