Crossword Genius

Plane, perhaps is outstanding waverider? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

surface

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'plane perhaps' is the definition.
(I know that plane is a type of Surface)

'outstanding waverider?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'outstanding' could be 'ace' (I've seen this in another clue) and 'ace' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'surf' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'is' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for surface that I've seen before include "Top level" , "Outside part" , "Superficial appearance" , "Come up for air" , "Plane" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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