The only thing that I can find in the EASA regulations is this:
FCL.730.A Specific requirements for pilots undertaking a zero flight time type rating (ZFTT) course — aero*planes
(a) A pilot undertaking instruction at a ZFTT course shall have completed, on a multi-pilot turbo-jet aeroplane certificated to the standards of CS-25 or equivalent airworthiness code or on a multi-pilot turbo-prop aeroplane having a maximum certificated take-off mass of not less than 10 tonnes or a certificated passenger seating configuration of more than 19 passengers, at least:
(1) if an FFS qualified to level CG, C or interim C is used during the course, 1 500 hours flight time or 250 route sectors;
(2) if an FFS qualified to level DG or D is used during the course, 500 hours flight time or 100 route sectors
What exactly is the Zero flight time type rating? What is the difference with the type rating course a new "frozen ATPL" license holder does? Could they be talking about that in the caa when they say that you will need 500 hours to do the type rating?