Wing Commander Amit Tiwari (16806) F (P) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of IAF on 04 Jan 1982. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and also an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College. The officer was posted to Air Force Station, Bidar on 29 April, 1997 as the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) Deputy Leader. Even without any experience in the erstwhile 'Thunderbolts', he quickly completed his syllabus and started performing public displays. He took over the mantle of Suryakiran Aerobatic Team Leader from 17 May 1999. He has led the team members with a keen sense of initiative to develop new manoeuvre for display. Towards this end, synchronous manoeuuvres were just the beginning. This was first display to the general public in Jun 2000 during the Combined Graduation Parade at Air Force Academy. He had successfully led the Team in 53 displays till date. With characteristic drive and administrative skill, he harnessed the limited resources under him to successfully put up a public display every time the team was tasked to perform. This was most evident during the team's display at Aero India 2001, International Fleet Review and their visit to Sri Lanka, where the Team operated overseas for the first time, bringing laurels and honour to the nation and Indian Air Force. Recently the team carried out the display at Hyderabad and kept a crowd of four lakhs enthralled with their immaculate and professional display.

Displaying total commitment and a very high degree of professionalism, Wg Cdr Tiwari believes in leading by personal example and displaying unique determination, steadiness, physical and mental endurance. Despite the very high risk involved in operating from different airfields, Wg Cdr Tiwari has led the tem gallantly without any accidents till date.

For distinguished service and exemplary professionalism, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Amit Tiwari.