Strange and/or really difficult approaches

In article , wrote:
The "Carnisie" VOR approach has been around since the 1960s. Most airline
pilots that go into JFK are quite familiar with how to use it, unlike someone
showing up without a clue.

The wierd thing is I grew up in that area in the 60's. I remember those
funny looking upward-pointing flashing lights on poles by the Belt
Parkway. I knew they had to do with airplanes landing at JFK, but it
never occurred to me that they were anything out of the ordinary.