Air Tractor Welcomes AJ Sherer as Training Manager

OLNEY, Texas — Air Tractor is introducing Ajita “AJ” Sherer as its next Training Manager, effective in December, upon Brian Hahn’s retirement.

“We all appreciate the years of aircraft maintenance training that our Training Manager, Brian Hahn, has accomplished since joining Air Tractor in 2018. Brian’s expertise and commitment have built a strong program,” said Air Tractor President Jim Hirsch. “I am excited about the exceptional blend of experience and energy AJ brings to Air Tractor’s maintenance training and education program. We’re confident he will build on Brian’s legacy to take our training programs to the next level.”

Sherer brings a deep background in aerospace propulsion and aviation instruction. His career has spanned the U.S. Air Force, civilian defense contracting, and aviation training, with experience ranging from special operations missions to working with jet engines and teaching aircraft maintenance.

Sherer served in the Air Force for special operations but was reclassified into aerospace propulsion after an injury. He developed a passion for the field’s complexity and taught maintenance for different Air Force aircraft such as the F-15, F-16, F-22, C130J, and C130H. Observing that newly trained technicians often struggled under real-world pressures, Sherer was motivated to become an instructor to bridge that gap.

After leaving active duty, he transitioned to civilian aviation and defense contracting, continuing as an instructor and developing curricula for the Department of Defense. Seeking a more agile work environment, Sherer found Air Tractor’s mission, expertise, and flexibility to be an ideal match.

“Air Tractor felt like a perfect fit because the company has a real mission,” he said. “The guys here are so knowledgeable.  There’s also a culture of flexibility and focus on improvement. The employees care about their work. Here I have the ability to make meaningful change.”

Sherer noted that at Air Tractor, course improvements can be implemented immediately, rather than delayed by months as in larger organizations.

Sherer hopes to expand the offering by building upon the structure Hahn created for Air Tractor training courses such as the Air Tractor Maintenance Familiarization Course. Sherer added that it has been great working with Hahn, who has generously shared his expertise and training experience from the start.  

“Over the next few years, I really want to develop a full ecosystem of courses. From in-depth system stuff to hands-on maintenance, I want Air Tractor to be the gold standard for training in ag aviation, aerial firefighting, and special missions — not just here but globally,” he said.

Sherer’s training philosophy emphasizes personal development, student-centered learning, and preparation through immersion. He aims to build confident technicians through hands-on training. 

“So, what I have been doing for the last few years is building student-centered, competency-based learning programs. I think that’s where the future is heading,” he said.

His plans include expanding Air Tractor’s offerings, beginning with “Aircraft 101,” a course designed to quickly familiarize new employees with aircraft basics, from flight mechanics to identifying key components. The program will serve as the foundation for a comprehensive training ecosystem.

Sherer believes the best maintenance technicians are calm, curious, and committed—traits that ensure both effective troubleshooting and a commitment to safety, especially with aircraft. “Anyone can perform basic tasks,” he said, “but the ability to troubleshoot and prevent problems is what truly distinguishes exceptional technicians.”

Sherer is looking forward to the challenge ahead.

“I didn’t join Air Tractor to coast,” he said. “I came to raise the bar. We have the best aircraft in the world for feeding and protecting the world and our resources.  I plan to make sure that the training lives up to the same standard.”