Dave wrote
I'm curious as to how an airplane behaves during turns. It is my
understanding that once you put the plane into a turn and return the
yoke to a level position, the plane will stay in a turn but will
straighten itself out slowly. Does the rate at which the airplane
straightens out vary by model? For instance, a Cessna 152 vs. a
Boeing 747? Does it vary among jetliners, i.e. a 757 vs. a 777?

From the FAA Flight Training Handbook:

TURNS
A turn is a basic flight maneuver used to change or return to a
desired heading. It involves close coordination of all three flight
controls: aileron, rudder, and elevator. Since turns are a part
of most other flight maneuvers, it is important to thoroughly
understand the factors involved.

For purposes of this discussion, turns are divided into three
classes: shallow turns, medium turns, and steep turns.

• Shallow turns are those in which the bank (less than approximately
20°) is so shallow that the inherent lateral stability of the airplane
is acting to level the wings unless some aileron is applied to maintain
the bank.

• Medium turns are those resulting from a degree of bank (approximately
20° to 45°) at which the airplane remains at a constant bank.

• Steep turns are those resulting from a degree of bank (45° or more)
at which the “overbanking tendency” of an airplane overcomes stability,
and the bank increases unless aileron is applied to prevent it.

Bob Moore
Flight Instructor