Freefalling?

Question

Can anyone explain to me, in a physics standpoint, why there is not a falling sensation, similar to that felt on a roller coaster, when a jumper exits the plane just before terminal velocity is achieved? If at all possible I'm looking for a technical answer...college level physics answer.

Answer 1

Since terminal velocity is a constant speed, no acceleration, consider a FBD of the jumper at that moment:
F-m*g=0
or
F=m*g which is the weight of the jumper.
It is as if the jumper is supported by a feather bed that exerts a net force equal to the jumper's weight. There is no longer a falling sensation since there is no acceleration. Compare that to the instant that a roller coaster at 90 degrees begins descent, where the acceleration is -g (rocket coasters have 90 degree drops). In that case
m*g=m*a
a=g

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