Which government agency must be notified if a line service attendant damages a helicopter's rotor blade while maneuvering an aircraft parking ramp?

In this scenario, it is crucial to understand the specific roles of the various agencies involved in aviation safety and regulation. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) primarily investigates accidents and incidents involving transportation, including aviation. Their focus is on determining causes and helping to improve safety standards across the industry.

However, the correct agency to notify in the event of damage occurring to an aircraft, such as a helicopter's rotor blade due to the actions of a line service attendant, is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA oversees the safety and regulation of civil aviation in the United States, and incidents involving damage to aircraft are typically reported to them. Such notifications are critical for ensuring regulatory compliance and, if necessary, for conducting inspections or further investigations into potential violations of safety protocols.

The Department of Transportation, while overseeing transportation systems, does not handle specific aviation incident investigations in the manner of the FAA. The FAA is specifically mandated to manage the safety and maintenance standards for aviation operations, making them the proper authority for notification in this context.

In summary, while the NTSB plays a vital investigative role regarding accidents, the FAA should be the agency notified about damage to an aircraft, as they are responsible for the enforcement of aviation safety regulations and standards.