Mr. Andersen was employed by Helicopter Transport Services, which was operating under contract with the U.S. Forest Service. Mr. Andersen served for five years as a helicopter pilot in the United States Army during the closing years of the Cold War. Over the course of his four-decade career, Mr. Andersen built a record distinguished by exceptional technical skill, broad international experience and composure under pressure. Mr. Andersen made his home for many years near Lake Tahoe, becoming a familiar and respected member of the Stateline and greater Tahoe communities. An avid sportsman, Mr. Andersen devoted much of his free time to skiing the mountains surrounding Lake Tahoe and was a passionate golfer.