Air Commodore SC Luthra was commissioned on 19 Jun 63 in the Medical Branch. He was appointed Commandant of Institute of Aviation Medicine (IAM) in Sep 93. Immediately after taking over he brought the unserviceable Decompression Chamber not only on line but also upgraded it to attainment of altitude upto 1,00,000 feet as against the original capability of only 25,000 feet. He also took significant measures to maintain and upgrade Human Centrifuge of old vintage purchased over 30 years back to peak 100% serviceability state.

Air Cmde Luthra, with his vast experience of teaching and research and as Chairman of Board of Studies in Aviation Medicine of Bangalore University has been able to create ideal academic atmosphere at IAM. 33 research projects have been undertaken during his tenure. Aeronautical Research Development Board had funded projects worth Rs. 28.26 lakhs during 95-96. Psychological Research Centre, the first of its kind in the IAF, has been set up through pooling of local resources. Computerised Battery of Selection Tests developed by IAM are under validation through field trials. A film on Spatial Disorientation has been produced during 1994 and has been circulated to all flying units in the IAF. The average waiting period for Medical Boards has been brought down to 4-5 days as against 9 days for the last 3 years without compromising quality of assessment.

For distinguished services of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Air Cmde SC Luthra.