RE: Aero Ace - next step up?
You should take a look at the Parkzone Slo-V:
[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=PKZ1300]Parkzone Slo-V[/link]
It shares a lot of the same traits as the Aero Ace. It's a great slow flying plane that can manuver in small spaces. It can be flown outdoors or inside in gymnasium. It's stable and smooth flying.
Horizon Hobby just reduced the price on this gem of an airplane from $139.99 down to $99.99 for a complete ready-to-fly aircraft. It even includes the AA batteries for the transmitter. The big difference between the Aero Ace and the Slo-V? The Slo-V has an almost 4-foot wing span!