Has anybody managed to get the Saitek AV8R-01 joystick to work in MSFS 2020?  I've set up the main flight controls but when I load the sim and try to test an aircraft, none of the controls respond.  Wondering if I missed a step somewhere in the process, or maybe the Saitek line is incompatible?  Have been using this same stick for many years with FS9 and FSX with no problems, and would like to use it with 2020 to but this sim is so much more complex!!!  
Just wondering if I'm wasting my time trying. Would appreciate any advice. 
JonB 

I use:

Win11
MSFS2020 
Prepar3D v4, 5 and 6.

Saitek Flight Yoke System
Thrustmaster TCA
Thrustmaster Hotas Warthog

All setup with with direct USB connects to PC or via a 7 port Hub.

FSUIPC6 for Prepar3D v4, 5 and 6.
FSUIPC7 for MSFS2020

Some Joystick functions also use MSFS2020 Controller setups.

In your case:
Have you first tested your Saitek AV8R-01 joystick with your OS (JOY.cpl) to verify it is working properly outside the Sim?

Go into the Windows joystick settings and see if the calibration window shows joystick movement when you move it around.

If no, then you have a problem with Windows not seeing your controller.

If yes, then go into MSFS's axis settings and check for movement indication when you wiggle the stick.

If that moves, then you're either setting the wrong axis (which can happen - the MSFS in-sim controller setup scheme is so bad that I bought an external one) or your plane has gust locks that you haven't taken off, so the controls aren't moving because they can't.