Brian uses a transmitter twice throughout the novel. In chapter 2, Brian realizes that the pilot is dead and takes over flying the plane. Unfortunately, Brian has no idea how to fly a plane and does not know what direction he is heading. Brian attempts to read the dials on the dashboard of the plane, but he cannot comprehend what they mean. He then notices the transmitter and takes the microphone off the pilot's head. When Brian figures out how to use the transmitter, he tells the operator that the pilot is dead and that he needs help flying the plane. Unfortunately, the signal is blurry, and the operator cannot fully understand what Brian is saying. The operator then asks Brian for his flight number and location, but he is unable to provide the information. Brian then loses the radio signal and is forced to fly the plane without assistance.

In chapter 19, Brian finds an emergency transmitter in the survival pack and turns the switch on without realizing how it works. Fortunately, the transmitter sends out a signal and a pilot flying overhead hears it. The pilot then lands his plane and rescues Brian from the Canadian wilderness.