Extreme Sports' Unlikely Stars

WHO: Dexter Holland

DAY JOB: Frontman for Offspring, founder Nitro Records, lifelong So-Cal punk

EXTREME PASSION: Flying military jet fighters

TAKING FLIGHT: You've heard the one about how Holland dropped out of college while pursuing a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology so he could start the Offspring. But not many people know he now passes the time these days as a licensed jet pilot. Meaning: He's permitted to fly in clouds and interact with air-traffic controllers. "I can fly a United 747 if I want to," he says. "I can fly any jet!"

GEAR: Holland flies an Aero Vodochody L-39 jet fighter, which was formerly used by the Russian Air Force. "It looks really badass and it'll never break down," he brags. "In Russia, if you were an aeronautical engineer and something didn't work on your plane, they killed you. So these planes are very reliable."

WORST INJURY: Even though flying requires no physical exertion, Holland has experienced some pain. "You experience up to five Gs of centrifugal force, which puts stress on the body," he explains. "All the blood rushes from your brain to your feet. I've seen spots before."

PRESS EJECT: The coolest feature on Holland's jet is also the most dangerous: an ejection seat. But does Holland have the balls to ever press it? Not really: He chose not to arm his. Says Holland, "I figure I'll go down with the ship."